Making of the Local Law

On 8 October 2019, Yarra City Council (Council) made a local law titled ‘Consumption of Liquor in Public Places Law 2019’ (the Local Law).

Purpose and General Purport

The objectives of the Local Law are:

• to control the consumption and possession of liquor in public places within the municipal district, including where such consumption or possession may interfere with the amenity and enjoyment of public places or of land in the vicinity of public places;
• promoting the minimisation of alcohol-related harm by restricting the opportunity for unregulated public drinking within the municipal district;
• supporting the effective governance of the municipal district by promoting improved amenity of public spaces and discouraging anti-social behaviour;
• providing an effective means for police to deal with unregulated public drinking;
• improving the management of festivals and events to reduce risk to attendees, organisers, and Council; and
• the peace, order and good government of the municipal district.

The Local Law contains provisions related to:

• the prohibition of the consumption or possession of Liquor in a public place;
• the regulation of the consumption or possession of Liquor at a declared festival;
• the ability to consume, possess, or control liquor in an area that is a declared prescribed area; and 
• the provision of powers to authorised officers to enforce the Local Law.

A copy of the Local Law and list of the prescribed areas may be inspected at the Council office and on Council’s website.

Police Enforcement of Local Law

Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 224A(2) of the Local Government Act 1989 that any police officer may enforce the provisions of the Consumption of Liquor in Public Places Law 2019.