CALLS that Newcastle had the potential to mirror Melbourne's nightlife scene were echoed by Greens federal member for Melbourne Adam Bandt last week.
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Newcastle's liquor laws were highlighted this month by the Terrace Bar's owner Chris Hearn.
Mr Hearn decided to close the Terrace Bar last Tuesday, after he was unable to reach agreement with the state government and NSW Police over bar security and selling shots.
Mr Hearn, Mr Brand and Newcastle Greens councillor and Newcastle state byelection candidate Michael Osborne are calling for change.
Mr Hearn said his business had become unviable, and called for a small business liquor accord.
His sentiments were backed by Mr Bandt, who said small bars in Melbourne encouraged people to drink in moderation.
"Small bars don't cause violence. The big problems we have had in the city [in Melbourne] were from large-scale beer barns that fuel people with cheap alcohol and then turf them out onto the street in the middle of the night," he said.
Cr Osborne said the "one size fits all" liquor laws had stifled Newcastle's night-time economy, with small bars a crucial part of the city's revitalisation.
"We need small bars in Newcastle to provide diverse opportunities for people to go out and enjoy a night in Newcastle and do it in a way that brings money into the city. The more people we have in the city, the safer it is," Cr Osborne said.
He said small bars had different issues to larger venues and should be treated in a different way.