The last of Sydney’s controversial lockout laws, introduced six years ago to quell alcohol-fuelled violence, will be scrapped from Kings Cross next month. The decision comes into effect from March 8 as part of a NSW government bid to revive the area’s night-time economy, which was hit hard by the pandemic. The laws shutting down drinks venues from 1.30am were removed from venues in Sydney’s CBD in January last year but had remained in Kings Cross. From March 8 alcohol can be served in the Cross until 3.30am – giving patrons an extra two hours of drinking and entertainment time. Restrictions on particular drinks, shots, cut-price cocktails and glass tumblers after midnight will also go, as will the requirement for responsible service of alcohol marshalls and CCTV surveillance. The laws were introduced in 2014 after the death of 18-year-old Thomas Kelly who was killed in a one-punch attack as he …