Police Operation Targets LGBTQIA+ Venues in Sydney; Industry Condemns Action

NSW Police conducted a second large-scale operation targeting LGBTQIA+ venues on Oxford Street in three months, with the most recent action occurring on September 12. The operation involved an estimated 18 to 20 officers, searched 65 people, and resulted in 28 drug detections and 12 fines. The Night Time Industries Association condemned the operation, stating it was concerning given previous concerns raised with the NSW Government.

The repeated police operations targeting venues in Sydney raise concerns about regulatory uncertainty within the night-time economy. The Night Time Industries Association criticized the policing approach, suggesting a difference between intelligence-led policing and general enforcement.