Entertainment

Manly’s bars and restaurants want late-night trading, but police have concerns

By David Barwell

Copyright brisbanetimes

Manly’s bars and restaurants want late-night trading, but police have concerns

Police have flagged concerns over plans for more late-night dining and nightlife on Sydney’s northern beaches, suggesting businesses that extend their opening hours should have to pay for increased police patrols, amid fears of booze-fuelled behaviour and rowdy crowds.

The Northern Beaches Police Area Command fears plans to establish a new “special entertainment precinct” in Manly will place additional burden on police resources required to respond to late-night antisocial activity.

The establishment of the precinct is part of NSW government vibrancy reforms aimed at reducing red tape for venues by making it easier to offer late-night trading and stage live music performances.

Similar nightlife precincts are planned at other Sydney town centres spanning from Cronulla to Canley Vale and Hornsby, along with regional centres including Byron Bay.