Push for 24/7 alcohol ban in Adelaide parklands
Alcohol would be banned at all times in the Adelaide Parklands under a plan to tackle problem drinking and anti-social behaviour, which is at “crisis point”.
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Consuming alcohol would be banned in the Adelaide Parklands at all times to tackle problem drinking, under a proposal from an Adelaide City Council elected member.
Deputy lord mayor Alexander Hyde will ask the council at a meeting next week to apply to the State Government to increase the parkland’s dry zones from 15 hours to 24 hours a day to alleviate the areas’s alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour.
Currently, the area is a dry zone between 8pm and 11am.
“Problem drinking and anti-social behaviour in our parklands is now at crisis point,” Cr Hyde said.
“Sadly we’re seeing daily incidents of violence and abuse.
“SAPOL need the ability (at all times) to tip out alcohol now to preserve community safety and minimise harm for problem drinkers.”
Under Cr Hyde’s plan, visitors would have to apply for a free special exemption permit from the council or Consumer and Business Services to bring alcohol into the parklands.
Cr Hyde will also ask Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor to write to Premier Stephen Marshall asking for the State Government to set up a taskforce to help vulnerable indigenous people who congregate in the parklands.
“Adelaide is being referred to as ‘party town’ by some who say it’s easier to get alcohol here than in their communities,” Cr Hyde said.
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“An all-day dry zone will ensure the problem isn’t merely shifted.”
Cr Hyde’s proposal has been backed by State Liberal MP for Adelaide Rachel Sanderson.
A letter from Ms Sanderson to the council says an “overwhelming” number of people in her district wanted a 24-hour dry zone.
“I have made representations to the Attorney General in relation to this matter and what regulatory options are available,” Ms Sanderson told The Advertiser.
SA Police Supt Craig Wall said SAPOL supported any means that discouraged anti-social or criminal behaviour in the parklands.
“The parklands should be able to be enjoyed by all people of any age at any time of the day and night and ‘dry zones’ assist the police in achieving this aim,” Supt Wall said.
“SAPOL are working with numerous government and non-government agencies with a common goal to make the parklands as safe as possible for everyone to enjoy.”
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia have been contacted for comment
The plan is set to go before council on Tuesday, December 10.
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