Lockouts loosened for Sydney Mardi Gras

Sydney's controversial lockout laws will be relaxed for the city's Mardi Gras 40th anniversary celebrations next month.

In a rare slice of reasoned judgement from the New South Wales government, the precinct surrounding the Oxford St party epicentre in Darlinghurst will be allowed to disregard the usual 1.30-2am lockout at venues in the early hours of March 4, but the usual 3-3.30am last drinks cut off will still apply.

"Relaxing the lockout laws will help manage crowds and give people more time to make their way to nearby LGBTI-focused venues and events when the parade finishes," the government stated in a release.

The Black Madonna and Cher play the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 40th anniversary, which runs from February 16 to March 4.

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