General (Consumption of Liquor in Public Places) Amendment Local Law 2021

Making of Local Law

Notice is given, pursuant to section 74(4) of the Local Government Act 2020, that at its meeting of 5 October 2021, Yarra City Council resolved to make the General (Consumption of Liquor in Public Places) Amendment Local Law 2021 (the Local Law).

The Local Law is made with the objectives of:

• amending Yarra Council’s General Local Law
• regulating the consumption and possession of liquor in certain public places within the municipal district, so that such consumption or possession does not interfere with the amenity and enjoyment of those places
• the peace, order and good government of the municipal district.

The Local Law has been carefully constructed so as not to criminalise social or economic disadvantage or chronic health issues, nor to create barriers to seeking or receiving support from appropriate health and social services. Authorised Officers are instructed to comply with the requirements set out in the Memorandum of Understanding (in the case of Victoria Police) and the General Local Law Procedures and Protocols Manual.

The general effect of the Local Law is to prohibit the consumption of liquor:

• in Yarra's public parks and reserves between 9pm and 9am on the following day
• on the footpath adjoining a licensed venue when it is open and trading, except where the venue mainly sells takeaway liquor (like bottleshops)
• within 10 metres of the entrance and exit for public buildings or facilities that provide services to families and children (including libraries and leisure centres)
• around New Year's Eve, from 9pm on 30 December to 9am 1 January
• around Swan Street in Cremorne and Richmond during AFL Grand Final weekend, from 9pm the day before until 9am the day after AFL Grand Final day
• while on any road, including when in a vehicle
• in a public place prescribed by resolution of Council.

The Local Law creates an offence of failing to comply with a direction given by an Authorised Officer to cease the consumption of liquor, seal the container of liquor or dispose of the liquor.

The Local Law will commence operation on Tuesday 19 October 2021. Copies of the Local Law may be inspected on our local laws webpage and during office hours at Yarra Council’s Customer Service Centre at 333 Bridge Road Richmond. Please be aware that access to offices may be limited as a result of COVID-19.

Authorisation of Police

Notice is given, pursuant to section 224A(2) of the Local Government Act 1989, that any police officer may enforce the provisions of the Yarra City Council General Local Law relating to the use, possession or consumption of alcohol.