WAGGA patrons say relaxing lockout laws could reinvigorate the city's suffering nightlife.
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Thomas Patterson, of Wagga, is out most weekends and has noticed venues are not as lively as they once were - believing lockout is partly to blame.
The city's licensed venues have turned away new patrons after 1.30am for almost two decades, but some publicans have shown interest in relaxing the rule.
Mr Patterson agreed the law "needs looking into" because the city's landscape has changed since the lockout came into play.
The original purpose of the lockout was to stopped movement around the main street and target alcohol-related crime.
"It is slowly becoming - more and more - in need of reform," Mr Patterson said.
"It should be looked at in two ways. It needs to tackle safety of citizens and look at the economic side of things for businesses.
"I think it is slowly killing young businesses and the nightlife is slowly suffering."
While the safety of the central business district was "much better," he believes it comes down to security and the rules of each establishment rather than the lockout itself.
"I believe it is beneficial that the state government have a set of requirements for metropolitan and regional areas that can be tailored," he said.
"I still think there should be no alcohol passed 3am, but changing the lockout could extend the night and see less people going home earlier - a bigger surge throughout the night and beneficial for businesses."
Steven Seabrook, of Wagga, believes the city's nightlife has suffered from the lockout, which was no longer serving its purpose.
He said the higher presence of security guards, CCTV cameras and ID scanners are more effective in minimising risks.
"I don't think lockout influences the behaviours on the street," he said.
"It comes down to the policies in place by each establishment.
"I think the nightlife behaviours will remain the same, so long as the businesses keep safety as a priority."
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