Lake Illawarra Senior Constable Mark Schmidt says Kiama's alcohol free zones have helped to reduce crime. They have been renewed for another four years. Picture: PAUL JONES
THE municipality's alcohol free zones will remain in force for another four years following a recommendation from Lake Illawarra Police.
Lake Illawarra licensing officer, Senior Constable Mark Schmidt, said consuming alcohol on streets, footpaths or car parks in any of the three zones would result in confiscation, not including licensed outdoor dining areas.
"A lot of people think that just because they're drinking one beer and they've got a whole carton under their arm, that we can't confiscate that, but if we suspect that they're going to keep drinking out of that carton, we can actually confiscate and dispose of that whole carton," he said.
Even though fines no longer apply, losing their liquor is enough of a deterrent.
"People might have an expensive bottle of scotch or something and you're actually taking it off them and tipping it out in front of them and a lot of people don't like that, so they do stay away from those areas because they know the area's enforced."
Senior Constable Schmidt said the main alcohol-related crimes were malicious damage and assault.
A general duties officer in Kiama from 2004 until 2008, he said there had been a reduction in anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related incidents since then, despite the lack of Summer Bus this year.
"It's a lot better than a few years ago with 200 people spilling out of Kiama Inn [at closing time] and blues all over the place - those days don't seem to happen any more," he said.
"We're right onto the licensed premises, they know we don't take a backward step in enforcement."
Alcohol free zones were introduced statewide 10 years ago in response to concerns about unruly behaviour as a result of drinking on the streets.
Last week, Kiama Municipal Council extended the area's three zones for another four years.
Liquor cannot be consumed in Kiama Downs along North Kiama Drive, Merinda Street and Johnson Street.
An alcohol free zone also covers Werri Beach and Gerringong along Pacific Avenue.
Kiama's alcohol free zone currently includes Havilah Place, Terralong Street, Akuna Street, Railway Parade, Bong Bong Street and parts of Shoalhaven Street, Manning Street, Minnamurra Street and Collins Street.
From later this year the zone will also include all of Manning Street to South Kiama Drive to dissuade patrons of a new bottle shop from street drinking.
Senior Constable Schmidt said any zone was positive in helping to reduce crime in public areas.
