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Where am I now? Lawlink > Anti-Discrimination Board > Publications > Alcohol free zones in New South Wales
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Alcohol free zones in New South Wales
Local councils wanting to establish alcohol-free zones must supply certain information to the Anti-Discrimination Board if they have an Aboriginal population of 1000 or more.
 What is an Alcohol-Free Zone?
Who can apply for an Alcohol-Free Zone?
Who does Council need to consult before making a decision about an Alcohol-Free Zone?
What must Council send to the Anti-Discrimination Board if proposing an Alcohol-Free Zone?
More information
What is an alcohol-free zone?
An alcohol-free zone is an area that has been established by a council in New South Wales where drinking alcohol is prohibited. Alcohol-free zones can include public places such as public roads or car parks on public or Crown land, but they cannot include private car parks which are on private land and not under the control of the council. Alcohol free zones promote the use of these roads, footpaths and carparks in safety and without interference from street drinkers.
Alcohol-free zones should primarily be located near outlets supplying alcohol where drinkers congregate. If there is no such outlet, a zoning should only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Who can apply for an alcohol-free zone?
A person living or working within an area, the local police or a local community group can ask a council to establish an alcohol-free zone, or a council itself may decide to do so. A proposal to establish an alcohol-free zone must always be supported by evidence that the public's use of the relevant roads or carparks has been compromised by street drinkers. For example, there could be instance of malicious damage to property, littering, offensive behaviour or other crimes.
Where a problem with irresponsible street drinking exists only in relation to a special event, an alcohol-free zone may be established only for that event. Who do councils need to consult before making a decision about an alcohol-free zone?
Councils must consult with local Aboriginal or ethnic groups in their area about proposals to establish alcohol-free zones. If the council area has an Aboriginal population of 1000 or more, they must send a copy of the proposal to the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW, including information about any objections raised during these consultations. What information does the Anti-Discrimination Board require?
The proposing council must send the following information to the Board:
- the proposal for creation of the zone;
- a map of the relevant area showing the proposed zone and any liquor outlets;
- the names, contact addresses and phone numbers of Aboriginal or ethnic groups who have been consulted about the proposal;
- a statement of reasons supporting the proposal.
The Board will assess the proposal and check for the likelihood of any discriminatory impact on Aboriginal or ethnic groups in the area. It will provide advice to the council which must be taken into account when the final decision on the zone is made. More information
For more information about alcohol-free zones, please phone us on (02) 9268 5555 and ask for the Enquiries and Conciliation Branch. Contact Us
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