Byron Bay residents are concerned that a plan to boost the tourism hotspot’s nightlife will lead to an increase in alcohol-fuelled violence.

The New South Wales government announced in April, a special entertainment precinct would be established in Byron to strengthen its night-time economy.

However, the plan has received strong criticism from locals, with over 150 people expressing their concerns about the precinct in a community meeting last week. 

Image: Image: Wikimedia Commons/ CC 4.0

Produced By: Mia Armitage

Featured In Story: Chris Hanley – Byron Bay resident & Community Meeting Organiser, and John Graham- NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy

First aired on The Wire, Monday 28 July 2025