Notice is hereby given in accordance with Sections 644, 644A and 632A of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) that Hay Shire Council proposes to establish Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas within the Hay township.
Purpose:
The establishment of these zones aims to:
• Improve community safety and amenity.
• Reduce incidents of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public spaces.
• Support local law enforcement and community wellbeing.
 
Having AFZ’s and APA’s is an effective tool for Police, and from a Policing perspective alcohol free zone and prohibited areas will support current Police and community efforts to prevent violent and anti-social behaviour as a result of alcohol consumption.
Police enforce these areas sparingly and often discretion is applied. There is not an offence for having alcohol in an alcohol-free zone, it is only that the alcohol can be confiscated, and the person moved away from that area. It is only an offence then if the person does not comply with that request. Licenced areas, such as outside dining spaces would not be impacted.
Police have the power to confiscate alcohol or make people tip out the alcohol, but more often Police have a conversation with the person warning them and explaining the restriction to the person and encourage them to find a more appropriate location for the consumption of their alcohol.

Proposed Areas:
Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZ): It is proposed that the following public roads and footpaths within the Hay township be declared as Alcohol-Free Zones for a period of three years:
• Lachlan Street (Cobb Highway) – from Moama Street to Murray Street
• Moppet street – from Lachlan Street to Pine Street
• Russell Street – from Cobb Highway to Nailor Street
• Nailor Street – from Moama Street to Lang Street
• Murray street – from Pine Street to Coke Street
 
Alcohol Prohibited Areas (APA): It is also proposed that the following public reserves and parks be declared Alcohol Prohibited Areas:
• Pocock Park
• Skate Park
Alcohol consumption will be prohibited in these areas between the hours 10pm to 8am, seven days a week.
 

Have Your Say:
Council invites feedback from the public, local businesses, and community organisations. A copy of the proposed Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas map is available for inspection at:
• Council’s Administration Office, 134 Lachlan Street, Hay
• Online at www.hay.nsw.gov.au
 
Submissions must be made in writing and addressed to:
General Manager
Hay Shire Council
PO Box 141
Hay NSW 2711 or emailed to: mail@hay.nsw.gov.au
Closing date for submissions: 4pm, Friday 12th September 2025.
Following the exhibition period, Council will consider all submissions prior to making a final determination.
For further information, please contact Council on (02) 6990 1100


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