6 Sept 2007 - Alcohol Restrictions Tightened at Foreshores and Public Parks

Coffs Harbour City Council is creating and amending alcohol restricted zones in the Jetty Foreshores area and two other public parks, in response to resident complaints about alcohol-related incidents in those areas.

Under the new restrictions, the alcohol prohibited zone at the Jetty Foreshores, including the Jetty structure, will be expanded south all the way along the Foreshores area and including Corambirra Point. Alcohol will be restricted along the Foreshores from 9pm to 9am rather than from the existing 8pm to 10am, to be consistent with restrictions in other coastal reserves. 

Council also proposes to declare Jordan Esplanade and car parks along that road Alcohol Free Zones, with no alcohol allowed there at any time.

"Council is aware of a long history of repeated late night incidences involving persons affected by alcohol, smashing glass and generally disturbing the residential amenity into the early hours of the morning in and around the Jetty Foreshores, particularly in weekends and in the summer," said Council's General Manager, Stephen Sawtell.

"The same kinds of complaints have been received about Shepherds Park in the Coffs Harbour centre and Wonga Park in Sawtell.

"Council recognises that this is an ongoing problem, and by implementing these restrictions, hopes this situation will improve. However, Council only has the power to set a framework so that the police can come in and move people on," he said.

In addition to the Jetty Foreshores area, a 9pm to 9am alcohol prohibition zone will also be created in Shepherds Park, on the corner of Meadow Street and Azalea Avenue in Coffs Harbour, and Wonga Park, on the corner of Third Avenue and First Avenue, Sawtell.

Council will install signage at the Jetty Foreshores, Shepherds Park and Wonga Park as soon as possible to notify the community of the new restrictions.

The proposal to turn Jordan Esplanade and car parks into Alcohol Free Zones will be put on public exhibition in the near future.