Alcohol Bans

An alcohol or liquor ban prohibits the possession or consumption of liquor for specific days, hours and public locations. The bans are set by local councils, usually as a by-law.  

Who may impose a liquor ban?

Local Authorities in conjunction with police have been able to create alcohol-free areas since the passing of the Local Government (Prohibition of Alcohol in Public Places) Amendment Act 2001.

Under section 147 of the Local Government Act 2002, bans have to be enacted as a Local Authority bylaw following a full community consultation process.

Local Authorities need to prove alcohol will be present in a public place on a specified day, and that it is likely to lead to disorderly behaviour in a public place, offensive behaviour, disorderly assembly, fighting in a public place and common assault.

A number of local authorities around the country have implemented permanent or temporary alcohol bans.

To find out about bans in your area click here or contact your city or district council.

Why do local authorities want to impose an alcohol ban?

Liquor bans are usually introduced because councils are concerned with the increasing level of disorderly behaviour and criminal offending that is linked to the consumption of alcohol in public places.

This behaviour is seen as detrimental to businesses and visitors as it creates a feeling that the inner city is not a safe place to visit.

Liquor bans target the key times and areas where problems are most likely to occur. The intention is to make the areas safer and bring back families, shoppers and tourists to the area.