The 1:30am lockout effective across Sydney’s entertainment precinct will be relaxed for New Year’s Eve.

The 1:30am lockout has been pushed back to 3am on the night of December 31 amid safety concerns that partygoers attempting to view the fireworks display on Sydney Harbour will not be able to make it to venues in time.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the change would avoid potential panic as revellers rushed to get to get into pubs and clubs before the lockout.

“We do realise that Sydney on New Year’s Eve is really … the focal point for Australia when it comes to crowds,” said Scipione. “We are looking forward to a much more peaceful NYE celebration this year.”

The 3am last drinks law remains in place as does the 10pm mandatory shutdown on bottle shops.

Barry O’Farrell, the controversial former New South Wales Premier responsible for the introduction of the laws, exited Australian politics last week after two decades. [via The Daily Telegraph]