Being an openly gay man and having enjoyed the gay strip from as far back as the controversial late 1970s I appreciate and support the importance of a relaxed, diverse and unfettered Sydney night life.

Before the last NSW parliament rose Robert Borsak had introduced a bill to repeal the current lockout laws which did not reach debate or a vote due to time.

I made it clear that I would support the bill as long as the amendments would make it strictly incumbent upon the venue operators that serving alcohol to heavily intoxicated or abusive and disorderly people would be a serious offence and that it would be their duty to peaceably escort such people off the premises.

Mark Pearson