Beach areas targeted by new liquor laws
New liquor laws will help police and council rangers target anti-social drinking and alcohol-related violence in beachfront areas such as Umina and Ettalong, according to Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews.
The new powers enabled police and council rangers to confiscate alcohol being consumed in alcohol-free zones and tip it out on the spot, Ms Andrews said.
Beachfront areas such as Umina and Ettalong and waterfront areas of Woy Woy and Gosford would be targeted.
"These new restrictions, approved by State Parliament last month, aim to reduce intoxication and the associated impacts on the community.
"Underage drinking is also being targeted.
"New penalties will be introduced for minors who use fake identification to enter licensed premises or obtain alcohol.
"These penalties will require young people who use fake IDs to stay on their provisional driver's licence for an additional six months."
Ms Andrews said the police's R3 squad has been established to focus on known trouble spots over the summer period.
"These measures will greatly assist police in targeting underage drinkers, public drinking and drunken louts who engage in antisocial behaviour and violence," Ms Andrews said.
"One of the key drivers of alcohol-related violence is late trading.
"The Rees Government has also made a commitment to end 24-hour licences and replace them with 18-hour licences."
In an address to State Parliament on November 26, Ms Andrews said she was "convinced" the legislation would go a long way in addressing antisocial behaviour and vandalism in the local area.
"Underage drinking and the consumption of alcohol in beachfront areas have been a significant concern in the local community and have resulted in broken glass and litter, vandalism and assaults at our scenic waterfront areas," Ms Andrews stated.
"I am pleased that the Premier's new measures will help to address those issues."
Press release, 3 Dec 2008
Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford
NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard, 26 Nov 2008