Libertarian Member of the Legislative Council John Ruddick is pushing for alcohol consumption to be allowed in public places in New South Wales (NSW).
Mr. Ruddick introduced the Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024 in the last session of NSW Parliament. Debate on the legislation was adjourned and will resume at a future parliamentary session.
The politician said the proposed legislation is modelled on Italian legislation, where the legislative “default” is to allow public consumption.
“There are local ordinances that restrict consumption in special locations, but they are the outliers and not the norms,” Mr. Ruddick told Parliament.
The bill would restore ancient rights that have been enjoyed by many free societies for millennia, the right of individuals to consume alcohol in public places, Mr. Ruddick explained.
“Alcohol has forged a relationship with cuisines and cultures around the world. It is not something to fear but something to embrace as part of a healthy social life,” he said.
“Few are aware that consuming alcohol in public is an offence in New South Wales and they carry on drinking. For those who are aware of the law, it is a nervous game of looking over one’s shoulder for cops, council rangers or self-appointed killjoys.”
Public authorities would still have existing powers to take action against public anti-social behaviour under the proposed law.
Mr. Ruddick said the bill enables drinking in public places but not on roads, unless recreational activities are permitted on the road.
“Public drunkenness ceased being a crime in New South Wales in 1979. It should not be an offence to be drunk in public. Most can be inebriated and remain civil,” Mr. Ruddick said.
“A small but prominent minority will become louts, so the bill defers to the existing legislation and penalties under the Summary Offences Act 1988 and the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 in part nine, while also conferring new drinking rights under part seven.”
Mr. Ruddick said he supports decentralised government and is normally on the side of local councils, but not when it comes to the restriction of personal liberties and freedoms.
City of Sydney Review of Alcohol Free Zones
The City of Sydney is currently conducting a review of the need for alcohol free zones. The City sought feedback during a public consultation between Jan. 29 and March 1.Currently, the contributions to this consultation are under evaluation and review.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore noted there are currently 379 alcohol free zones in the City of Sydney which are being reviewed.
“Many of the restrictions in our area have been in place over a decade. We think it’s time to consider whether they should remain.”
She said several councillors share her concerns the current restrictions have a disproportionate impact on people with low incomes, people living in social housing and First Nations communities.
Ms. Moore noted the City of Sydney has spent a lot of money and effort encouraging people to return to the city post-pandemic, to give people ways to have a good and safe time outdoors through the streets of Sydney and al fresco dining programs.
“We also need to make sure that people who cannot afford to go to pubs and licenced outdoor events have the same right to enjoy a drink with friends in our outdoor spaces,” she said.
“We obviously don’t want to have any decision result in unintended consequences, such as an increase in antisocial behaviour or arrests, but there is limited evidence that would be the case—and we can have a mature conversation as a community about how we manage our public spaces.”
Mr. Ruddick told Parliament he believes the outcome of the City of Sydney review will be made publicly available sometime in June.
