Council proposes alcohol-free zones

Central Coast Council is seeking comment about its plans to re-establish alcohol-free zones at seven locations across the Peninsula for four years.

The council has produced maps showing the extent of the proposed zones.

According to an anonymous statement on the council's YourVoiceOurCoast website: "The aim of an zone is to reduce alcohol related crime, violence and anti-social behaviour in identified locations in order to help create a safer environment for the whole community.

"The proposed alcohol-free areas consists of public roads, car parks and footpaths."

The statement does not explain the basis for the zone boundaries or what is behind apparent inconsistencies.

For example, roads around the Diggers Club in Ettalong are zoned alcohol-free, while zones do not exist around the Peninsula's other registered clubs: Everglades Country Club, Ettalong Bowling Club or Club Umina.

McDonalds Umina is within an alcohol-free zone, but McDonalds Woy Woy is not.

The Umina skate park, a historic trouble spot, is not within a zone.

"These zones will not restrict outdoor dining licences where Council approval has been granted," the statement read.

"Council is currently seeking feedback from the community regarding the proposed locations."

SOURCE:

Website, 2 Sep 2020

YourVoiceOurCoast, Central Coast Council