Overview
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore is questioning the need for alcohol-free zones. The inner-city council currently has 379 public areas where alcohol is prohibited, including several of the city's expansive green spaces. But Moore thinks that it's time to reconsider their efficiency and their negative side effects.
"Several councillors and I share concerns the current restrictions have a disproportionate impact [on] people in low incomes, people living in social housing and First Nations communities," said Moore in a statement online.
"We have spent a lot of money and effort encouraging people to return to the city post-pandemic, giving people ways to have a good and safe time outdoors through our Sydney Streets and al fresco dining programs. We also need to make sure that people who cannot afford to go to pubs and licenced outdoor events have the same right to enjoy a drink with friends in our outdoor spaces."
Cassandra Hannagan
The current slate of alcohol-free zones are set to expire in December. Instead of extending the zones for four years, the City of Sydney has voted to only reinstate them for a further nine months as it assesses their future.
"We obviously don't want to have any decision result in unintended consequences, such as an increase in antisocial behaviour or arrests, but there is limited evidence that would be the case — and we can have a mature conversation as a community about how we manage our public spaces."
Areas that are currently alcohol-free zones that the changes could impact include Hyde Park, Prince Alfred Park and Redfern Park. The change would also impact areas like Harmony Park, Sydney Park and Rushcutters Bay Park, where alcohol is only permitted during certain hours of the day.
Harmony Park, Brooke Zotti
Read the full statement from City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore on the future of alcohol-free zones in the inner-city council area.
Top image: Kgbo.