Revellers will be able to celebrate Sydney's Mardi Gras for a little longer with the state government relaxing its controversial lockout laws for just one night.
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For this year's 40th anniversary of the festival on Saturday, March 3, partygoers can continue to be admitted to venues around the Oxford Street area beyond the usual 1.30am or 2am restrictions.
Minister for Liquor and Racing Paul Toole said relaxing the laws will give people more time to make their way to surrounding venues and events when the parade finishes.
Liberal City of Sydney councillor Christine Forster appealed to Premier Gladys Berejiklian to relax the laws for the parade as a gesture of goodwill towards the LGBTI community, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Venues will still need to cease serving alcohol at their normal times of 3am on the morning of Sunday, March 4, or 3.30am for venues with live entertainment extensions, and comply with their other licence conditions, Mr Toole said.
Australian Associated Press