ALCOHOL-free zones in public places have been expanded to help police control troublemakers in Tenterfield.
The alcohol-free area bounding the Tenterfield township has significantly expanded from the current area that includes a one kilometre section of the New England Highway and small sections of Manners, High, Petrie and Martin Streets off Rouse Street.
The new area - in place until October 2013 — includes all streets, footpaths and public carparks bounded by Naas, Wood, Douglas and Pelham Streets, a three kilometre square area that covers most of the town.
Tenterfield Police Senior Constable Mick Eaton said police fully supported the Tenterfield Shire Council’s extension of the alcohol-free zones, and there would be “zero tolerance” in policing the zones.
“Sometimes there is a perception that anti-social behaviour is limited to persons walking home after leaving licensed premises,” he said.
“On the whole, licensed premises are not the only cause of problems for police and the local community.
“One of the main issues local police have to deal with when it comes to community concerns is drunken behaviour by people moving from one house to another house across town, all hours of the day and night. Often in their travels, these people damage property, use offensive language, leave empty beer bottles and cans in their wake, and generally do their best to disturb the neighbourhood.
“It is always a concern to police, particularly in the warmer months, and this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated. The extended alcohol free zones will increase police powers and will assist police in controlling the troublemakers in town.”
Tenterfield, Tabulam and Urbenville police asked Tenterfield Shire Council to review the former alcohol-free zones that expired on October 31.
In the application, Tenterfield Police’s Sergeant Carter Knyvett noted the expansion in the zones was intended to “reduce anti-social behaviour and noise complaints associated with street drinking, prevent crime associated with street drinking, (and) to maintain the peace and harmony of the area”.
Residents will be breaching the restrictions if they are drinking alcohol on the footpath outside their house.
Police have the power to seize alcohol and tip it out or dispose of it. If a person does not cooperate with the police officer, they could be charged with obstruction which carries a maximum $2,200 fine.
Tabulam Police requested no change to Drake zones, which include: the Bruxner Highway/Fairfield Street between Stuart Street and Picarbin Street; and Alison Street (south) from the Bruxner Highway/Fairfield Street to Drake Community Hall.
Urbenville Police also requested no changes to the current zones, which include: Stephen Street between Boomi Street and Tooloom Street; Beaury Street between Boomi Street and Tooloom Street; Boomi Street between Beaury Street and Stephen Street; Welch Street between Beaury Street and Stephen Street; Urben Street between Deane Street and Lindsay Street; and Tooloom Street between Beaury Street and Lindsay Street.
No public submissions about the zones were received after maps were placed on public exhibition.
Council noted the banning of alcohol in parks comes under different legislation that would be the subject of a further report.
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