Booze bans

Sydney partygoers might have to reconsider drinking in public areas with the kick-off of 34 new alcohol free zones (AFZ) proposed by Police and local residents.

There is no fine for the offence of drinking alcohol in an AFZ; but Police do have the power to confiscate alcohol on over 180 streets in Sydney including Louis, Eveleigh and Vine Streets in Redfern.

The planned AFZ will be in place for four years and are enforceable 24/7 to prevent antisocial behaviour fueled by alcohol.

The 34 new and existing AFZ are designed to improve public safety.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP says the AFZ are one of the many initiatives the City of Sydney supports to deal with alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour.

“This is not about spoiling people’s enjoyment. This is about making our
public places safer for everyone,” she said.

“We work closely with the operators of licensed premises, and our
Public Space Liaison Officer regularly visits areas where street
drinkers congregate, guiding them into support services and alerting our
cleansing team and Rangers if an area needs cleaning.”

by Laura Cathery