Council has approved the renewal of the Alcohol Free Zones (AFZs) that operate throughout the City for a further 4-year period, commencing 1 September 2011 and finishing on 30 September 2015.
The AFZs operate in these areas:
Coffs Harbour
- Coffs Harbour CBD
- Coffs Harbour Pacific Highway - Coff St to Marcia St
- Park Beach (along Ocean Parade)
- Macauleys Headland Carpark
- Jetty Foreshores
- The 24 hour Special Event AFZ at Howard Street, Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour - CBD and surrounds Map
Coffs Harbour - Howard Street Map
Coffs Harbour Jetty Map
Park Beach Map
Sawtell
- Third Avenue (from Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue)
- Fourth Avenue (from Third Avenue to Second Avenue)
- Second Avenue (from First Avenue to Fourth Avenue)
- First Avenue (from Second Avenue to Eleventh Avenue)
- Sawtell (Twenty-Second Avenue at the beach access point only)
Sawtell Map
Woolgoolga
- Woolgoolga CBD
- Market Street (from Carrington Street to Woolgoolga Back Beach Carpark)
- Woolgoolga Back Beach Carpark
- Trafalgar Lane (from Market Street to Woolgoolga Back Beach Carpark)
- Carrington Street (from Trafalgar Lane to Market Street)
- Ocean Street (from Carrington Street to Woolgoolga Headland Carpark)
- River Street (from Hastings Street to High Street)
Woolgoolga Map
What are AFZs and why do we need them?
AFZs are created under Section 644 of the Local Government Act and apply to public roads, footpaths and car parks. AFZs are areas designated by Council, in consultation with the Police, where alcohol cannot be consumed. The Police are responsible for enforcing the prohibition and alcohol can be confiscated.
Alcohol-related anti-social behaviour creates an unsafe environment for the community. Problems associated include excessive noise, unsafe driving, litter, vandalism, and break and enters, all translating to a significant cost to the community.
The irresponsible consumption of alcohol on roads and footpaths and in public car parks can compromise their safe use by members of the public.
Alcohol consumption in public roads and car parks can result in the congregation of intoxicated persons, including underage drinkers, and alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. Drinker's antisocial behaviour has been noted to impinge on nearby local residents and retail businesses. Alcohol Free Zones have a positive impact by maintaining local amenity for all residents and safeguarding patron’s unimpeded access to local business ventures.
The establishment and continued operation of AFZs, in conjunction with alcohol prohibitions in public parks, is one of the principle harm-minimisation strategies employed by local councils and the Police to reduce the effect on the community of alcohol related issues.