A recent inquiry has recommended Sydney’s controversial lockout laws be relaxed. Businesses say they’re killing the city while police and medical experts say they’ve saved lives.

So, what’s more important? Public safety, or business vibrancy?

Th argument is that not being able to enter a licensed premises after 1:30am and not being able to buy drinks after 3:30am means Sydney is no longer an “International city”. The question is why have these laws worked so well in some regional areas but had such a drastic impact in the big smoke?

Do we really need to cater to people who MUST consume alcohol after 3 in the morning? Or do we have to accept that Australia’s drinking culture is different to that of other countries?

Can we adequately cater to tourists at the same time as keeping our own citizens safe? Albeit safe from themselves.

How do we create a culture that acknowledges you CAN drink without getting drunk? How do we change a mindset that says you can’t have fun unless you’re absolutely blind?

What’s the answer?