Sydney small bars keep troublemakers out

A NSW government review into small bar licences and identification scanners has found the system is keeping known troublemakers out and identifying those who break the law.

Feedback from the public, community groups, councils, police and the hospitality industry has found ID scanners operating in venues across Sydney's Kings Cross are helping in minimising alcohol-fuelled violence.

Small bar licences were introduced in 2013, with the support of the City of Sydney to combat alcohol-induced violence.

"They (small bars) have been a real success story," Deputy Premier Troy Grant said in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Grant said the community had embraced a quiet drink and conversation in an intimate setting, with the number of small bars doubling between 2014 and 2015.

"While Melbourne bangs on about its bars and laneways, in Sydney we have the bars, the beaches and the weather to actually enjoy them."