FAQs

Alcohol restrictions are implemented in an effort to improve public safety by minimising antisocial behaviour caused by alcohol consumption in public areas. 

Alcohol Free Zones (AFZs) apply to road-related public areas such as public roads, footpaths or carparks. Alcohol Prohibited Areas (APAs) apply to non-road-related public places such as parks and open spaces. 

These zones are established by Council with input from NSW Police and the local community.

These measures can help councils to keep public spaces and streets safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors while not discriminating against particular community groups. 

An Alcohol Free Zone is an area where it is illegal to consume alcohol 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Any person seen drinking in an alcohol free zone may have the alcohol in their possession immediately seized and tipped out or otherwise disposed of by Police.

An Alcohol Prohibited Area is a public place or part of a public place - such as a park or reserve that has been established by Council and where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited. In Wollondilly Shire we have a number of parks and reserves where alcohol is prohibited between the hours of 8:00pm and 6:00am.

Alcohol Free Zones cover public roads, footpaths, car parks and laneways

By contrast, Alcohol Prohibited Areas cover parks, beaches and reserves, and can be time-restricted e.g. prohibited between 8:00pm and 6:00am.

Once established, each Alcohol Free Zone is in place for a maximum of four years.

There is no required timeline, but best practice is for Council to review it within four years

Alcohol Free Zones have been established in specific areas of 12 villages and towns in Wollondilly Local Government Area.

• Appin
• Bargo
• Douglas Park
• Oakdale
• Picton
• Silverdale
• Tahmoor
• The Oaks
• Thirlmere
• Warragamba
• Wilton Bingara Gorge
• Wilton

Alcohol Prohibited Areas have been established in multiple areas around the Wollondilly Local Government Area. 

• Gordon Lewis Oval - Appin
• Appin Park - Appin
• Bargo Sportsground - Bargo
• Douglas Park Sportsground - Douglas Park
• Willis Park - Oakdale
• Hume Oval and Botanic Gardens - Picton
• Picton Sportsground - Picton
• Victoria Park - Picton
• Colden Street - Picton
• Rotaract Park - Picton
• Emmet Park - Tahmoor
• Lions Park- Tahmoor
• W.S Williams Park – The Oaks
• Barrallier Park – The Oaks
• Memorial Park - Thirlmere
• Warragamba Civic Park - Warragamba
• Warragamba Memorial Park - Warragamba
  
• Warragamba Town Hall - Warragamba

Yes. You can carry alcohol through an AFZ or APA  if the bottle is unopened. Make sure your liquor is stored in a bag.

Only if the event is licensed. Any event held in a public place must have a liquor license if people want to consume alcohol. If the event is not licensed, the normal rules apply for AFZs and APAs.

No. You cannot consume alcohol in a vehicle parked in an AFZ or APA.

Call the police if you see people drinking in a public place and they are participating in antisocial behaviour or look like they might do so.

Call Council on 02 4677 1100.

If a police officer reasonably suspects that you are drinking, have been drinking, or are about to drink alcohol, police can seize and dispose of that liquor. It will not be given back to you. If you do not comply with these enforcements, you can be charged with obstruction under Section 660 of the Local Government Act which carries a maximum penalty of $2,200.