15,000 Australians protest against Sydney's controversial nightlife laws

While many people in Melbourne, Australia slept in after the city's all-night art event, White Night, residents of Sydney took to the streets to fight for the right to stay out all night.

More than 15,000 people, according to group Keep Sydney Open, converged in Sydney's city centre to take a stand against the state's controversial lockout laws on Sunday afternoon. 

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The lockout laws were introduced in 2014 by the New South Wales government to curb Sydney's alleged alcohol-fuelled violence problem. The laws prohibit patrons from entering licensed venues after 1:30 a.m. and serving alcohol after 3 a.m.

Opponents say that the lockout laws are destroying businesses, the city's nightlife culture and infringing on individual liberties. Many think pieces have been written on the so-called "nanny state," nights out have been cancelled and kebabs shops have been shut down.

"We haven't been listened to up at this point, and this is why we're here," Tyson Koh from Keep Sydney Open told the cheering crowd in Belmore Park on Sunday.

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Young and old people, along with dogs and children were in the crowd, which slowly marched along Elizabeth Street toward Hyde Park. Many people had placards, some targeting the city's casino -- which sits outside the regulation -- and the New South Wales state Premier Mike Baird.

Hyde Park transformed into a festival for two hours, as rain sprinkled down on dancing protestors and  DJs from local label Future Classic played. Koh reiterated on stage the protest was not only against the lockout laws, but also to celebrate Sydney.

Prominent music personalities such as Dave Faulkner from legendary Australian band the Hoodoo Gurus stepped up to defend Sydney's live music industry. Faulkner said the industry has been diminished in the face of the lockouts, while Isabella Manfredi from Sydney band The Preatures said the laws have simply destroyed Sydney's culture. 

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Local bands such as Royal Headache and Art vs Science also performed at the rally, with the latter playing a cover of the Beastie Boys classic "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)."

"Today was democracy in process," Koh told Mashable Australia. "It was a peaceful demonstration, full of colour and culture, full of what makes our city great.

"It was just amazing for me to see people come together, not only fighting against the lockouts, but fighting for the cultural vibrancy of this city."

An estimated 15,000 people marched through Sydney on Sunday. Credit: Getty Images

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