A huge step to overhaul Sydney’s alcohol-free zones just become a reality, with the City of Sydney determined to make the city more vibrant.

The plan means that Sydney’s 428 alcohol-prohibited zones have dropped to only 238. The overhaul is the latest step in the City of Sydney’s aim to make Sydney a lot more fun while implementing a harm-minimisation strategy to educate people about alcohol consumption.

Ultimo, Glebe, Waterloo, and Zetland have received some of the biggest reductions in restricted areas. A recent council report showed that the alcohol-free zones littering the city did little to discourage anti-social behaviour citing a “lack of robust or reliable evidence.”

As it stands, police can seize, dispose of alcohol, issue move-on orders, issue fines of up to $2000 or detain intoxicated individuals. According to the Daily Telegraph, NSW Police did not provide evidence to the council on how and when they exercise these restrictions, nor did they provide evidence that these restrictions don’t lead to over-policing following concerns raised by NSW Health, community legal centres, and service providers.

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High-risk areas and spaces with high instances of alcohol-related violence will remain booze-free zones under the plan, however, the scheme opens the door for more outdoor social gatherings and a reduction in police targeting marginalised communities and people experiencing homelessness.

The reduction of alcohol-free zones is especially welcome news for picnic enthusiasts, dog owners, and those wincing at $15 schooners.

See you at the park! It’s BYO!

Is it illegal to drink alcohol in public in Sydney?

The short answer is yes. The more complex answer is dependant on where you are and when. According to the City of Sydney, “Alcohol-free zones apply to public roads and footpaths, while alcohol-prohibited areas apply to parks and civic spaces. Timed restrictions are also used. Where restrictions are in place alcohol consumption is not permitted in these areas, and police have the power to confiscate alcohol.”

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