Alcohol Free Zones

What are Alcohol Free Zones?

The aim of Alcohol Free Zones is to reduce alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in identified locations and to promote the use of public roads and car parks (on public or Crown land) in safety, without interference from irresponsible street drinkers.

Police Officers may request offenders to cease consumption of alcohol and may confiscate the alcohol and issue an infringement notice.

Current Alcohol Free Zones

Alcohol Free Zones in the following areas commenced on Wednesday 10 October 2018, and are in place for four years:

• Trim Place and Coulter Street, between Trim Place and Linsley Street, Gladesville;
• West Ryde Bus interchange;
• Meadowbank Wharf, encompassing Bowden Street and Bay Drive; and
• Eastwood Town Centre, within the area bounded by Glen Street, Lakeside Road, Wingate Avenue, West Parade, Coolgun Lane, Progress Avenue, Hillview Lane, Rowe Street, Trelawney Street, Shaftsbury Road, Rutledge Street, First Avenue, East Parade, Railway Parade, Rowe Lane, Station Lane, Ethel Street, Ethel Lane, May Lane, May Street and the western side of Blaxland Road (see map below)

Background

Council can establish Alcohol Free Zones under Section 646, of the Local Government Act 1993 and in accordance with NSW Ministerial Guidelines. Council is required to comply with the procedures outlined in the Guidelines and the legislation in relation to the proposal to establish Alcohol Free Zones.

Council consults with Ryde Local Area Command in determining whether the implementation of an Alcohol Free Zone is an appropriate means of addressing alcohol related crime such as assault and malicious damage, as well as anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking.