The state government has announced an independent review of its controversial "lockout" laws that will be "genuine and transparent".
The announcement follows recent indications by Premier Mike Baird that the restrictions are unlikely to change.
The review of the laws will be led by former High Court Judge Ian Callinan.
"There is no predetermined outcome here," said Deputy Premier and Police Minister Troy Grant. "This review will be open, genuine and transparent."
The terms of reference for the review include the laws' effects on violence, crime, business and "vibrancy".
The review comes after Mr Baird earlier this week made a Facebook post in which he said it would "take a lot" to change his mind on the controversial laws, because of their demonstrated effects in reducing incidents of assault.
Labor seized upon the difference in statements between Mr Grant and the Premier and argued they represented tension at the heart of the government.
"The Premier made it clear he was in favour of keeping the 'lockout laws' and now we're being told it's an independent review without a foregone conclusion – it can't be both," said Labor's Police spokeswoman, Jodi McKay. "This Government is at war over the issue".
Since the laws have been passed, there has been a push within the National party to relax bottle shop restrictions in rural areas. Mr Grant previously announced the review of the laws would take place a year earlier, before it was again pushed back until this year.
Mr Baird's Facebook post attracted thousands of negative responses and was itself a response to online critiques of the legislation which argued it has depressed the city's nightlife and lessened Sydney's claims to being a "global city".
"The level of commentary shows that there's been passion in relation to this subject," Mr Grant said. "This review will be guided by the evidence and the experiences of the people of Sydney."
The government will invite the public to make submissions to the review online.
The review was mandated in the original legislation enabling the lockout laws, which were passed two years ago following a number of high-profile assault cases.
The laws prevent pubs and clubs within Sydney's centre from admitting new patrons after 1.30am and serving drinks after 3am. Bottle shops are also prevented from selling alcohol after 10pm.
Mr Grant said the state government would also establish a roundtable to discuss options for improving the city's nightlife, which will submit its findings to Mr Callinan.
Mr Callinan was appointed to the High Court by former prime minister John Howard. He will report back in August.
