Shellharbour council rejects police alcohol-free zone advice
Councillors voted 5-2 to run the December 31 marina event without alcohol-free zones. Police had warned against this.
Shellharbour council rejected police advice to create alcohol-free zones around the New Year's Eve marina event. Lake Illawarra police warned the event would create risks of anti-social behaviour, violence, and property damage.
The proposed zones would have run from 8am to 11:30pm on December 31 and would not have affected licensed bars. Councillor Kellie Marsh argued the council shouldn't 'punish the responsible majority' based on fears about a minority.
She mentioned a 15,000-person food and wine festival at the same location that had no issues. Councillors Ridding and Petreski suggested compromise zones, but her proposal to remove all rules passed 5-2.
- 5-2 in favour of scrapping zones
- Council vote
- 8am to 11:30pm on December 31
- Zone hours
- 15,000 people at prior food and wine event
- Festival attendance
- Lake Illawarra Licensing Officer
- Police warning
Why it mattersThe decision leaves people at risk from alcohol-related harm despite professional safety warnings.
AustraliaShellharbour residents heading to the marina on December 31 won't have alcohol-free areas for families wanting them.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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