Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas

Shellharbour City Council has established a number of Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZ) and Alcohol Prohibited Areas (APA) to help reduce alcohol-related crime, violence and anti-social behaviour and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the local community.

It is illegal to drink alcohol in an AFZ and APA. This is enforced by NSW Police and, if caught, alcohol will be immediately seized and tipped out. This includes roads, footpaths, car parks and public land.

You can view Shellharbour’s current AFZs and APAs on our mapping system below or download a copy.

Alcohol-Free Zones

An Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ) is an area where it is illegal to consume alcohol 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. AFZs are road related public areas such as roads, car parks and footpaths.

AFZs are established under NSW Local Government Act 1993 (section 644) in response to problems relating to irresponsible consumption of alcohol in public spaces. Once established, each AFZ is in place for a maximum of four years. The current AFZs in Shellharbour LGA were re-established on 22 December 2025 and are in force until 21 December 2029.

Any person seen drinking in an AFZ may have the alcohol in their possession immediately seized and tipped out or otherwise disposed of by Police.

Alcohol Prohibited Areas

Alcohol Prohibited Areas (APAs) are non-road related public places or part of a public place such as a park or reserve where the consumption of alcohol is also prohibited and the police have the power to confiscate alcohol. Alcohol Prohibited Areas are established under NSW Local Government Act 1993 (section 632A) .

Timed restrictions are in place, however, vary from area to area. Shellharbour City Council have APAs that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or 6pm to 6am, 7 days a week.

View Shellharbour’s Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas below.

Temporarily Establish, Amend or Suspend Alchohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for Events

In certain circumstances, Council may consider requests to temporarily establish, amend or suspend or exempt an Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ) or Alcohol Prohibited Area (APA) in association with a community event, festival or similar activity.
Requests may include:

Establishment of a new AFZ or APA.
Amendment of an existing AFZ or APA.
Temporary suspension of an existing AFZ or APA.
Temporary exemption allowing alcohol consumption within a designated area during an approved event.

Event organisers seeking an AFZ or APA amendment, suspension or exemption must submit an application well in advance of the proposed event date. Depending on the nature of the request and legislative requirements, Council may be required to undertake consultation and/or consider the proposal at a formal Council meeting before approval can be granted.

For AFZs, Council is required to undertake consultation with NSW Police, affected liquor licence holders and the local community. This consultation process generally requires a minimum of 30 days to allow submissions to be received and considered before a final decision can be made. For APAs, NSW Police approval is required and additional consultation may be necessary depending on the circumstances.

Applications should include details of the event, the proposed location, site plans, justification for the request, and any relevant event management, security and liquor licensing information. A minimum 12-week application lead time applies. Due to statutory consultation, assessment, reporting and Council meeting timeframes, late applications may not be able to be processed before the proposed event date.

Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Applications will be assessed having regard to legislative requirements, public safety, community impacts, NSW Police advice and the suitability of the location. Approval of an AFZ or APA application does not remove any requirements to obtain liquor licences or other approvals required under separate legislation.

To apply for a temporary suspension of an AFZ or APA, or to establish a new zone please fill in the Application Form.

To report Anti-Social Behaviour

If you see people drinking in an area with outdoor alcohol restrictions, contact your local police station. If a sign has been damaged, stolen or defaced please contact our Community Development Team via email council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 4221 6111.