Central Sydney's lockout laws could be removed by the end of the year

Sydney’s lockout laws could be removed in the city centre by the end of the year under a reported push from the New South Wales deputy premier.

The state’s second-in-command John Barilaro wants the restrictions, that block entry to venues after 1.30am, or 2am for live music spaces, to be scrapped in central Sydney, according to Nine News.

But under the plan there wouldn’t be any changes to the Kings Cross precinct.

Nine News reports it has spoken to eight cabinet ministers “who all support the lockouts being significantly softened” and that it understands the plan was mentioned briefly in cabinet last month but never discussed.

Sydney’s lockout laws have been in place since February 2014 and have led to many much-loved bars and clubs having to close their doors permanently in a significant hit for the city's nightlife.

Stay tuned for further updates as what’s hopefully finally a positive direction in this space unfolds.

There's a state election early next year.

Scott Carbines is Mixmag's Australian Digital Content Editor, follow him on Twitter