AFZs may be used by Council to prohibit alcohol consumption and/or carrying of alcohol in public places to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime. These measures can help Council to keep public spaces and streets safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors.

AFZs apply to road-related public areas (e.g. public road, footpath or carpark). APAs apply to non road-related public places (e.g. parks, foreshore areas).

Drinking of alcohol is prohibited in a zone that has been established by Council. These zones located within the Central Coast Local Government Area are enforced by the NSW Police.

The 2024 review was in line with requirements set out in the Ministerial Guidelines. The re-establishment of existing AFZ must be undertaken every 4 years. Central Coast Council considers the establishment of new AFZs as part of the 4 yearly re-establishment process.

For more information on the 2024 review and community consultation, engagement and Council reports, go to our engagement online hub, yourvoiceourcoast.com 

In 2024, Council undertook a review of current Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZ) across the Central Coast and proposed to re-establish Alcohol-Free Zones in a number of areas.  Following the feedback received during public exhibition, staff reviewed all submissions and prepared a report on the outcome of the public exhibition process for Council's consideration at the 27 August 2024 Ordinary Meeting. 

Council endorsed the re-establishment existing Alcohol-Free Zones for a period of four years, and the implementation of Alcohol-Free Zones in accordance with the State Government Ministerial Guidelines on Alcohol-Free Zones.  

For more information, reports and FAQs, go to our engagement online hub, yourvoiceourcoast.com 

Council work in conjunction with the NSW Police to review evidence to determine if establishment of an Alcohol Free Zones is warranted. 

Evidence must demonstrate that the public’s use of these roads, footpaths and public carparks has been compromised by street drinkers, and where there is sufficient evidence of irresponsible behaviour as a result of drinking. For example, these could include instances of malicious damage to property, littering, offensive behaviour or other crimes.  

During Council’s most recent review of AFZ’s, Council took the opportunity to meet with the NSW Police (Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Local Area Commands) to seek advice and any statistical data available on existing zones and the establishment of any new zones to assist in managing street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour. There was no evidence to support the establishment of new zones on roads, pathways, or public carparks during the latest review of Alcohol Free Zones. The NSW Police force supports the provision of AFZs which assist them with managing alcohol related crime across the Central Coast.

AFZ’s do not restrict restaurants which are operating under a valid Footway Dining License approved by Council and would not restrict the carrying of unopened alcohol to a venue within an AFZ.  

AFZ’s are primarily located in CBD’s, town centres or areas where persons congregate to consume alcohol, however must be supported by evidence to allow for their establishment. It is not usually appropriate to establish an entire local government area, or a substantial part of that area, as an alcohol-free zone.

Alcohol Free Zone may be temporarily suspended, with the approval of Council, to accommodate for a special event.