Draft Alcohol-Free Zones Policy

What does this policy do?

This policy explains where and how Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZs) operate in the Tweed Shire from 2025 to 2029. An AFZ is a public area, such as roads, footpaths and carparks, where drinking alcohol is not allowed, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The aim is to:

  • improve public safety

  • reduce antisocial behaviour

  • keep public spaces clean and safe for everyone.

The policy applies to residents, businesses and visitors. AFZs are enforced by the NSW Police. It also explains how new AFZs can be created and the difference between AFZs (streets and carparks) and alcohol-prohibited areas (parks and recreational spaces).


Recommended changes to the policy

We propose to:

  • Re-establish the current AFZs in Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South, Kingscliff, Salt, Cabarita Beach, and Murwillumbah. These zones will cover roads, footpaths and public carparks for the next four years (2025–2029).

  • Update public notification and signage requirements.

  • Include a fact sheet and links to new guidance from the NSW Office of Local Government.


Why are these changes recommended?

The changes are needed to:

  • meet legal requirements under the Local Government Act 1993 and the updated 2025 Ministerial Guidelines

  • follow best practice so Tweed’s approach is consistent with state-wide standards and modern communication methods

  • provide clarity by clearly explaining the difference between AFZs and alcohol-prohibited areas

  • support safety and amenity by responding to evidence of littering, property damage and police callouts in AFZ areas.


What does this mean for the community?

  • You will see little change. AFZs already exist in these areas.

  • The same rules will continue for another four years to help keep public spaces safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable.

  • Signs will stay in place (and may be improved) to show exactly where alcohol is not allowed.

  • Clearer communication, including fact sheets and online information, will make it easier for everyone to understand the rules.


Have your say

You're invited to provide your feedback by 4 pm, Tuesday 28 October 2025. Submit your feedback in one of the following ways:

  • Online: using the feedback form below
  • Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au Subject: Alcohol-Free Zones
  • Mail: General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816 MURWILLUMBAH NSW 2484 Subject: Alcohol-Free Zones

What does this policy do?

This policy explains where and how Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZs) operate in the Tweed Shire from 2025 to 2029. An AFZ is a public area, such as roads, footpaths and carparks, where drinking alcohol is not allowed, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The aim is to:

  • improve public safety

  • reduce antisocial behaviour

  • keep public spaces clean and safe for everyone.

The policy applies to residents, businesses and visitors. AFZs are enforced by the NSW Police. It also explains how new AFZs can be created and the difference between AFZs (streets and carparks) and alcohol-prohibited areas (parks and recreational spaces).


Recommended changes to the policy

We propose to:

  • Re-establish the current AFZs in Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South, Kingscliff, Salt, Cabarita Beach, and Murwillumbah. These zones will cover roads, footpaths and public carparks for the next four years (2025–2029).

  • Update public notification and signage requirements.

  • Include a fact sheet and links to new guidance from the NSW Office of Local Government.


Why are these changes recommended?

The changes are needed to:

  • meet legal requirements under the Local Government Act 1993 and the updated 2025 Ministerial Guidelines

  • follow best practice so Tweed’s approach is consistent with state-wide standards and modern communication methods

  • provide clarity by clearly explaining the difference between AFZs and alcohol-prohibited areas

  • support safety and amenity by responding to evidence of littering, property damage and police callouts in AFZ areas.


What does this mean for the community?

  • You will see little change. AFZs already exist in these areas.

  • The same rules will continue for another four years to help keep public spaces safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable.

  • Signs will stay in place (and may be improved) to show exactly where alcohol is not allowed.

  • Clearer communication, including fact sheets and online information, will make it easier for everyone to understand the rules.


Have your say

You're invited to provide your feedback by 4 pm, Tuesday 28 October 2025. Submit your feedback in one of the following ways:

  • Online: using the feedback form below
  • Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au Subject: Alcohol-Free Zones
  • Mail: General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816 MURWILLUMBAH NSW 2484 Subject: Alcohol-Free Zones
Page last updated: 02 Oct 2025, 12:08 PM