The council is proposing to re-establish seven alcohol-free zones, in town centres of Helensburgh, Thirroul, Corrimal, Dapto, Berkeley and Warrawong, which have been in place for a four year term.

All of Wollongong CBD will also be subject to the continuing ban, with the alcohol-free zone covering everywhere from the coast line, south to Swan Street, west to the railway line and north to George Hanley Drive and Virginia Street.

Parts of this area can be exempt for short periods for specific council-approved events. 

In the proposal, there is no mention of expanding the alcohol free zones to include other areas, despite pleas from some Keiraville and Gwynneville residents earlier this year that public drinking should be banned on their streets.

After complaints of “unruly, drunken behaviour’’ at the start of the academic years, residents said all streets around the University of Wollongong should be alcohol free zones.

The current alcohol-free zones were established in conjunction with local police and expire on 30 September 2018. 

The council’s survey on whether the council should keep the bans in place for another four-year period is open until June 1.

• In alcohol-free zones and prohibited areas, police and council rangers have the power to confiscate or tip out alcohol. People cannot be fined for simply drinking or having alcohol in the area.

• If a person does not co-operate with a request to hand over alcohol in these zones, they can be charged with obstruction under the Local Government Act, which carries a maximum penalty of $2200.

• Police can detain someone who is intoxicated in public regardless of whether there is an prohibition zone in place.

• Police can also give intoxicated people a direction to move on and a failure to comply can be an offence. In some cases, police can issue on-the-spot fines of $1100 under the NSW Summary Offences Act.