Alcohol-free zones & Alcohol prohibited areas
Alcohol-free zones (AFZs) and alcohol prohibited areas (APAs) may be used by councils to prohibit alcohol consumption in public places.
The key difference between AFZs and APAs is the type of area they cover. AFZs apply to road-related public areas (e.g. public road, footpath or carpark) while APAs apply strictly to non-road-related public places (e.g. parks).
Liquor & Gaming NSW does not oversee AFZs and APAs as they are the responsibility of Local Government. For more information please refer to the Office of Local Government.
Restricted alcohol areas in NSW
Restricted alcohol areas may be used by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to restrict the sale, supply, possession or consumption of liquor on any premises (whether or not licensed). This is legislated under Section 115-116 of the Liquor Act 2007.
Restricted alcohol areas can only be made by the Authority:
- on recommendation by the Minister (administering the Liquor Act 2007), and
- if the recommendation is in response to a request by a group of persons.
The Authority must also believe the group of persons seeking the restricted alcohol area represents the interests of the community in that area.
The duration for the restrictions can be any time up until three years. The period of time is specified when the restricted alcohol area is declared.
NSW does not have any restricted alcohol areas currently prescribed in the Regulations.