Find out about alcohol free areas and access the City's alcohol risk minimisation policy.
Alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia with people consuming alcohol for a variety of reasons, and in different social and cultural contexts. Alcohol can cause harm to the person who drinks and sometimes to others around them.
The effects of alcohol misuse go beyond diseases, accidents and injuries to a range of social, economic and environmental costs to the City and the community due to anti-social behaviours such as drink driving, violence, crime, vandalism and littering, which can have a detrimental effect on the community.
Recognising there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, the City recognises its obligation to help minimise alcohol related harm through:
Supporting safer environments for drinking
Managing the physical availability of alcohol, and
Planning and designing environments that support community health and wellbeing.
Alcohol-free areas support the community by:
Protecting the community from anti-social behaviour escalating, improving public safety
Encourages and normalises alcohol-free environments
Raising community awareness of the issues associated with consuming alcohol
Delaying the use of alcohol by young people by modelling alcohol free or safe drinking behaviours
Providing a supportive environment for people who abstain from alcohol or who are trying to reduce their alcohol intake
In WA, the Liquor Control Act 1988 provides the legislative framework for the liquor licensing authority, to regulate the sale, supply and consumption of liquor. The Act also aims to minimise harm or ill-health caused to people, or any group of people due to the use of liquor.
Under this law, alcohol is not permitted to be consumed in any place or premise, including any park or reserve, without the consent of the occupier.
Furthermore, the Local Government Act 1995 also prohibits the possession and consumption of liquor in thoroughfares, where the individual/s do not have a permit. Liquor in sealed containers do not apply to this.
The City has an alcohol harm minimisation policy that focuses on the protection of public health and safety in the community through initiatives that promote responsible alcohol consumption and provide a safe and secure environment.
The City's Alcohol Harm Minimisation policy is available to view here:
In an emergency call 000 or visit your local emergency department.
Support is available through many services operating across WA. If you are concerned about your own or another person's alcohol or drug use, you can get help by:
Calling a helpline
If you are wanting to speak to someone, helplines have someone available to listen, provide advice, information, and referrals to you.
Searching the My Services online directory
Accessing this directory will help you find the right mental health support for you.
Visiting your General Practitioner (GP)
Making an appointment with your GP to get the advice, and support is another option.
Seeking support online via live chat and online forums
Many of the organisations who run helplines have live chat and online forums available as an alternative (1).
(1). Mental Health Commission (2022). Getting help – finding a service. Retrieved from: https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/getting-help/