The results of Council’s own community consultation clearly showed overwhelming opposition to establishing a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in Byron Bay.
Two main arguments have been used to justify proceeding. First, we are told the NSW government will fund lighting, transport and other measures if we adopt an SEP.
Should Byron really be required to extend liquor trading hours – potentially worsening existing problems – in order to receive infrastructure funding the government promised back in 2014?
Funding should follow sound economic development and tourism planning, not be tied to increasing a problem and then offering to fix it.
Second, supporters claim a SEP would ‘cut red tape’ for cultural activities.
But the 2023 Cultural SEPP already does this allowing temporary events without development consent, expands outdoor dining, permits unlicensed venues to trade later during special events, and increases patron capacity and entertainment options at existing venues.
We are told to ‘be curious’ and that the community doesn’t understand the SEP.
So let’s ask: will precinct management plans mean more or less noise after 10pm? Will extended alcohol trading reduce or increase late-night crime?
Given most restaurants and accommodation in town are now licensed venues (11 are already allowed to trade past midnight) – will the SEP simply lead to even more venues and more liquor licences?
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
