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 antisocial 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.

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 21 December 2021 and are in force until 21 December 2025.

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 or download a pdf version here.

 

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. 

Apply to Establish or Temporarily Suspend an Alcohol-Free Zone or Alcohol Prohibited Area

IIn some circumstances, Council will consider requests to temporarily suspend an AFZ or APA for a specific period of time or event, such as a community festival. This is at the discretion of Council in conjunction with local Police. To apply for a temporary suspension of an AFZ or APA, or to establish a new zone please fill in the Application Form. 

Last updated : Wed 20 Aug 2025