USING Newcastle as its role model, the state government has announced it will introduce new alcohol trading restrictions in Sydney in an effort to crack down on alcohol-related violence.
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NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell handed down the decision last week, which included the imposition of the "Newcastle solution".
Under the solution, some of Newcastle's tried-and-true methods in reducing alcohol-fuelled crime will be applied to Sydney's CBD, including 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks at pubs, bars and registered clubs.
The government will also impose tougher penalties on alcohol-related crime offenders, including a new eight-year sentence for fatal "one-punch" assaults where the offender is drunk or on drugs.
Newcastle anti-violence campaigner Tony Brown said the decision was historic and would set a national precedent.
Mr Brown, who has fought to reduce alcohol-related violence in Newcastle for years, said the decision was on par with the introduction of random breath testing.
