GAYER SYDNEY ON SUNDAY

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31054, 9 May 1966, Page 10

GAYER SYDNEY ON SUNDAY

(N.Z. Press Attn.—Copyright) SYDNEY, May 6. With the recent passing by the Askin Liberal-Country Party Government of the Sunday Entertain ments Act, Sydney has a chance of becoming a much gayer city on a Sunday than it used to be. The act permits the showing of films in city and suburban theatres and although it only became law on April 7, the public response to the change has been good. So far, only independentlyowned theatres have opened for the Sunday screenings and all have reported satisfactory business. The chief secretary, Mr Willis, who administers the

act, said this week it also permitted public meetings, sporting events and other entertainment to be held on Sundays, but only after 12.30 p.m. He could, however, vary the act’s general provisions to enable approval to be given to applications for events to be held earlier than 12.30 p.m. If he considered them justified. Mr Willis also has the power to prohibit or regulate any form of Sunday entertainment which he believes could interfere with religious observance or cause a. public disturbance on a Sunday.

The Theatrical Employers' Union and other film industry unions are opposing Sunday films unless they receive additional penalty rates.