Alcohol Free Zone - Yass

Find out more about the proposed renewal of the Alcohol-Free Zone in Yass.

The community is being asked for feedback on the renewal of the Alcohol-Free Zone (AFZ) in the Yass main street, which is due to expire on 16 December 2025, after its 4-year approval period.

This will not impact local licensed or BYO businesses who serve alcohol responsibly in outdoor dining areas.

Background

Section 644(1) Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) allows Council to prepare a proposal for an AFZ.

The last AFZ was approved in December 2021 and expires on 16 December 2025 and requires the support of Council and the Community for it to be renewed.

The Mainstreet Strategy states outdoor dining can be established on a case-by-case basis through a Roads Act Approval/Development Application process, as the AFZ provides exemptions for outdoor dining areas used in associated with existing approved businesses, during their business hours.

Reason to Renew AFZ

The intent of the AFZ is to prohibit the irresponsible consumption of alcohol on roads, footpaths and in identified car parking areas. The AFZ allows Police Officers to confiscate and dispose of any alcohol being consumed in the area. It provides the basis for police enforcement.

This report emphasises that there is no intent to limit or control the responsible consumption of alcohol at licensed or BYO venues that have outdoor dining approval. Council has always been supportive of local businesses that are licensed and/or are BYO with outdoor dining areas. Community events that have Development Consent are also exempt from the AFZ.

Originally the establishment of the AFZ was instigated through community concerns over anti-social and irresponsible behaviour from the consumption of alcohol in these areas.

Since the establishment of the zone there has been a public perception that the occurrence of anti-social behaviour in the main street has decreased. Police feedback has been supportive of the zone which assist them in maintaining safety and appropriate behaviour in the area.

Location

The location of the AFZ is proposed to remain the same as previously approved by Council (refer to the attached map).

Map of Proposed Alcohol-Free Zone, Yass Duration

The maximum period for an Alcohol Free Zone is 4 years under s644B(4) of the Local Government Act 1993.

Consultation

Preliminary consultation undertaken with the Yass Police has identified they are supportive of renewing the Alcohol Free Zone. (Doc ID 817932)

Further consultation with the wider community is required in accordance with s644A Local Government Act 1993. A consultation period of 30 days is required under the guidelines.

Consultation will be sought from the following stakeholders:

• All licensed premises within or adjacent to the AFZ
• Onerwal LALC
• NSW Aboriginal Land Council
• Yass Valley Business Chamber
• Yass Liquor Accord

What Next?

This draft policy was endorsed at the 27 November 2025 Council Meeting to be placed on Public Consultation for a period of no less than 30 days and now provides an opportunity for members of the community to provide their feedback. This document will be available for review over the Holiday period.

1. Have a read - Please have a read of the above proposal. Please take the time to understand what it is in document and what it means for you and the local community.
2. Ask a question - If you have any queries or need clarification, please use our 'questions tool' below.
3. Complete the below feedback form - if you have any comments, please leave your feedback below. Your feedback is important as it will inform Council's final decision on this strategy.
4. Other ways to provide feedback: You can also make a submission by email to Council@yass.nsw.gov.au or by writing to Public Consultations, Yass Valley Council, 209 Comur Street, Yass, NSW, 2582.

Any person may make a written submission to Council on the draft document until 5.00pm Saturday 31 January 2026.

In accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998, Council will redact any names, email addresses, contact numbers and residential addresses from all submissions received prior to inclusion in the future report to Council.

Thank you for taking the time to share your views.