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Overview
Blue Mountains City Council is undertaking the statutory public exhibition of proposed changes to Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZs) across the City in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and associated Ministerial Guidelines.
The exhibition seeks community feedback on the proposed continuation of AFZs in Blaxland, Springwood and Katoomba, and the proposed removal of existing zones in Hazelbrook and Lawson, following a review of their ongoing need and effectiveness.
No decisions have been made at this stage and community feedback, along with submissions from NSW Police, liquor licence holders, Liquor Accord members, the Community Safety Precinct Committee and relevant Council staff, will be considered before Council determines the final AFZs later in 2026.
Why are we reviewing the AFZs?
Alcohol-Free Zones are designed to reduce anti-social behaviour associated with public alcohol consumption and support community safety in town centres. They apply to designated public roads, footpaths and public car parks and do not apply to licensed premises operating under a liquor licence.
The current AFZs have reached the end of their operational life. Officers have sought engagement with NSW Police Blue Mountains Police Area Command to understand their perspective on the effectiveness of AFZ’s in managing anti-social behaviour.
Crime data for the past four-year period confirmed that Lawson and Hazelbrook CBDs recorded no alcohol-related incidents, but Katoomba, Springwood and Blaxland have recorded alcohol-related incidents including assaults, intoxicated persons, street offences, malicious damage, licensing matters and the frequent use of police move-on powers.It was therefore considered appropriate to remove the AFZs from Lawson and Hazelbrook and reinstate AFZs in Katoomba, Springwood and Blaxland.
Exhibition period: Thursday 16 July - Thursday 13 August
Please provide your feedback by taking the survey below.
If you or someone you know requires assistance accessing or participating in this survey, or if you would prefer a printed copy, please contact Council on 4780 5000. We are happy to assist you and ensure your feedback is received.
Overview
Blue Mountains City Council is undertaking the statutory public exhibition of proposed changes to Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZs) across the City in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and associated Ministerial Guidelines.
The exhibition seeks community feedback on the proposed continuation of AFZs in Blaxland, Springwood and Katoomba, and the proposed removal of existing zones in Hazelbrook and Lawson, following a review of their ongoing need and effectiveness.
No decisions have been made at this stage and community feedback, along with submissions from NSW Police, liquor licence holders, Liquor Accord members, the Community Safety Precinct Committee and relevant Council staff, will be considered before Council determines the final AFZs later in 2026.
Why are we reviewing the AFZs?
Alcohol-Free Zones are designed to reduce anti-social behaviour associated with public alcohol consumption and support community safety in town centres. They apply to designated public roads, footpaths and public car parks and do not apply to licensed premises operating under a liquor licence.
The current AFZs have reached the end of their operational life. Officers have sought engagement with NSW Police Blue Mountains Police Area Command to understand their perspective on the effectiveness of AFZ’s in managing anti-social behaviour.
Crime data for the past four-year period confirmed that Lawson and Hazelbrook CBDs recorded no alcohol-related incidents, but Katoomba, Springwood and Blaxland have recorded alcohol-related incidents including assaults, intoxicated persons, street offences, malicious damage, licensing matters and the frequent use of police move-on powers.It was therefore considered appropriate to remove the AFZs from Lawson and Hazelbrook and reinstate AFZs in Katoomba, Springwood and Blaxland.
Exhibition period: Thursday 16 July - Thursday 13 August
Please provide your feedback by taking the survey below.
If you or someone you know requires assistance accessing or participating in this survey, or if you would prefer a printed copy, please contact Council on 4780 5000. We are happy to assist you and ensure your feedback is received.
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