Georges River Council has unanimously adopted the re-establishment of six existing Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZs) at its Council meeting this week.
The AFZs include road-related public areas such as public roads, footpaths or carparks of Oatley Shopping Centre, Penshurst Shopping Centre, Kogarah CBD, Hurstville CBD, Mortdale Shopping Centre, and Riverwood Town Centre for a period of four years until 2026.
“The AFZs can apply for a maximum for four years and can also be established for special events such as New Year’s Eve. They do not apply to responsible social drinking in local parks and reserves,” Council said in a statement.
Council says it proposed the re-establishment of AFZs after engagement with the local community, St George Police Area Command and all liquor licensees that border, adjoin or are adjacent to the proposed alcohol-free zones.
It says most of the community responses submitted during the public exhibition from 29 June – 24 August this year were overwhelmingly supportive of the zones, with many believing it would make the CBDs safer for the community.
“The Alcohol-Free Zones Council established in 2018 have been a success in avoiding local anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime,” said Mayor, Nick Katris.
“The re-establishment of these six existing zones at local shopping centres, streets and carparks will see a continuation of community safety which is Council’s priority.”
