After only last week been named one of the world’s best music cities Melbourne yet again are showing Sydney how it’s done.

As the Sydney lockout laws continue to make headlines with a new push to extend them into the inner city following the shocking attack on transgender woman Stephanie McCarthy, Melbourne are pushing forward

A liquor licence ban that has stopped new boutique bars and live music venues serving alcohol past 1am is being scrapped to reinvigorate Melbourne’s nightlife.

Venues that hold less than 200 people will be able to apply for exemptions from July 1, provided they have the backing of local councils.

Whilst larger venues of more than 200 patrons won’t be eligible for the exemptions surely this is the way forward.

As we’ve seen in the UK a more relaxed approach to drinking laws has lead to a reduction in binge drinking across the board.

The renaissance of boutique bars and clubs in Sydney tucked away outside of the lockout zone has helped reinvigorate areas such as Marrickville and Bondi, it seems almost every week another venue is forced to shut their doors inside of the lockout zone.

Surely it’s time for the government to reassess Sydney’s lockout laws and follow in Melbourne’s footsteps.