Melbourne gig-goers need no longer worry that the 2am lockout will become permanent, as it has been revealed the state government have scrapped the stop-gap policy which caused such an uproar just a few months ago.

The government has announced that they will replace the 2am lockout with a “time-out zone”, which serves tea and coffee for those who’ve had a bit too much to drink. 50 extra police will also be put on the streets during the weekend.

Victorian Premier John Brumby told the Herald Sun that the government’s decision to reject the 2am lockout was influenced by the huge number of clubs and bars that sought – and won – exemptions, allowing them to avoid adhering to the 2am lockout rules.

Andrew Ranger from MelbourneLockedOut was understandably happy by the decision, notifying Melbourne clubbers via email of the outcome and saying he felt it was a clear victory for their cause. He also thanked all the Melbourne licensees that fought the lockout in VCAT.