Council will this week consider a request to establish an alcohol-free zone throughout the Bega commercial centre.
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The request has been made by Bega Police, who have advised council they continue to experience problems relating to the consumption of alcohol in public places in Bega.
A meeting on May 29 with police and the Bega Valley Shire Liquor Accord unanimously supported the establishment of an alcohol-free zone (AFZ) in the Bega CBD. Members at the meeting raised concerns of anti-social behaviour, damage to property and assaults, which related to the consumption and influence of alcohol in public places.
If adopted, the AFZ would be for a four-year period.
Merimbula’s CBD is already an alcohol-free zone, with a separate request at Wednesday’s council meeting to continue this for a further four years.
Police said, aside from patrolling the area, consumption of alcohol in public places is not monitored “and typically occurs near licenced premises and Littleton Gardens”.
The proposed AFZ would cover Carp St, between Peden St to the west and Canning St to the east; Gipps St, between Bega St and Zingel Place; Auckland St, between Bega St and Upper St; and all of Church St and Ayres Place.
The proposal would require the installation of signs at strategic locations around the boundaries of the AFZ area, at a cost of approximately $1000.