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A NSW legislative inquiry into alcohol and drug-related violence has recommended that the state's controversial lock-out laws be reviewed at the "earliest possible stage".
The committee, chaired by the former NSW government minister who introduced the laws, George Souris, recommended an independent review take place almost a year ahead of schedule.
The inquiry, which released its recommendations on Thursday, cited the impact of the laws on businesses, patrons and stake holders as key reasons. The review was not scheduled to take place until 2016.
The lock-out laws were brought in across the CBD in January this year.
Businesses who rely on the night-time economy across the area have suffered profit losses of up to 40 per cent since the laws were introduced, the committee heard. Many in areas such as Kings Cross have struggled to stay afloat.
The committee stressed that in its view, "the evidence from hospitals, the Police, the City of Sydney and residents [is] that the measures are having the desired effect on violence and anti-social behaviour."
"The committee supports the government's emphasis on public safety," said a statement from Mr Souris, the former minister for gaming, racing and hospitality.
Alcohol-related violence has plummeted in the lock-out zones since the laws were introduced. Submissions pointed out that this could be due to the fact that far fewer patrons were visiting the areas.
"If the average number of people visiting a zone drops from 20,000 to 6000 on a Saturday night, there are going to be less assaults in that zone," read one submission to the inquiry.
The committee recommended a review of the possibility of violence being "displaced" to other areas which did not fall in the lock-out areas, amid concerns from community members.
"Customers are now heading in their droves to venues outside of the affected zones, in places like Double Bay or Newtown or Pyrmont, where venues can stay open at least until 5am," said a witness. "Surely you are just moving the problem elsewhere."
Another area of concern for the committee was the proliferation of underground warehouse parties since the lock-out laws were introduced.
"The committee recommends [monitoring] the number of warehouse parties in the Sydney metropolitan area which are detected by the NSW Police Force on an ongoing basis,"
Sydney MP Alex Greenwich said he was encouraged by the inquiry's findings.
"It acknowledges that there have been unintended consequences that have impacted on our nightlife and cultural diversity."
The NSW government is due to respond to the review's recommendations within a month.