All the current alcohol free zones (AFZs) and alcohol prohibited areas (APAs) across the Gunnedah Shire will remain after Council endorsed the declarations for another four years.
AFZs prohibit alcohol consumption at any time within the nominated zones, which are usually road related public areas, such as footpaths and car parks. APAs prohibit alcohol in non road related public places such as parks and reserves.
A Gunnedah Shire Council spokesperson told the New England Times that all the previous zones are still in effect, and there are no major changes to report. There are currently 12 AFZs, inclusive of 43 signs allocated within the Gunnedah CBD.
“Gunnedah Shire has 12 alcohol free zones in areas that relate to a road related public place, such as car parks, public roads or footpaths within the Gunnedah CBD and surrounds,” the spokesperson said.
“There are two alcohol prohibited areas that relate to non road related public places at Wolseley Park Reserve and Kitchener Park Reserve.”
Conadilly Street, Little Conadilly Street, Tempest Street, Chandos Street, Marquis Street, Elgin Street, Abbott Street, Henry Street, Little Barber Street, Souris Car Park, Melitis Car Park, along with the Public Walkway between Conadilly Street and Little Conadilly Street are all classed as AFZs.
Drinking alcohol in any of these locations can result in the confiscation and disposal of the drinks, or possible fines.
According to the Gunnedah Shire Council website, some of these areas were designated alcohol exclusion zones because it had “been a contributing factor in incidents of anti-social behaviour in those areas.”
“In all of these incidences, the anti-social behaviour has occurred during the evening hours and Council has therefore imposed the prohibition between the hours of sunset and sunrise.”
Previously, the alcohol exclusion zones were in effect by a Council Resolution between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2024. According to the spokesperson, the Council consulted with various businesses around town before deciding to endorse the declarations for another four years.
“Gunnedah Shire Council consulted with a range of stakeholders about the zones and areas before this decision was made,” the spokesperson said.
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