Thousands have marched in Sydney to protest the New South Wales government’s controversial lockout laws.
The rally kicked off at 12pm (AEDT), with speeches from Sydney hip hop artist Urthboy, and the Jezebels’ singer Hayley Mary.
“Sydney may have a golden age still to come. The spirit of the city is made in its social spaces,” Mary told the crowd.
Legislation requires central Sydney venues to turn people away from 1.30am, serve last drinks by 3am and ban the sale of takeaway alcohol after 10pm.
Opponents say the laws are killing off the city's nightlife, with venues being forced to close and hundreds of jobs disappearing.
An independent report, which was handed to the state government in September, recommends a two-year trial in which the 1.30am lockout and 3am last-drinks measures are relaxed for live entertainment venues.
Music legend Jimmy Barnes threw his support behind the measure, releasing a video for the Keep Sydney Open group.
“I made a career playing in live venues in Sydney. I learnt my craft playing in those venues,” the Cold Chisel frontman said.
The government is expected to respond to the report by the end of the year.
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