During 2020 and 2021, we asked for feedback on how to manage the consumption of liquor in Yarra’s public places. Based on what we heard, along with benchmarking, social and academic research, and the consideration of other responsibilities that Yarra has under the Local Government Act 2020, we are proposing to amend Yarra’s General Local Law to include an additional part to manage the drinking of alcohol in Yarra’s public places. 

We are now inviting submissions on this proposed local law until 5pm on Wednesday 29 September 2021. You can download the proposed Local Law and proposed Procedures and Protocols Manual and make your submission online on our Your Say Yarra website.

Or, email your feedback to our Social Strategy and Community Development Team at [email protected] 

Please include your name and contact details so that we can contact you about the next steps for this project.  

If you are unable to make a submission online, or need support to make your submission, please contact us by calling 9205 5555 or email [email protected] and we can discuss your specific needs.  

What does the proposed law do? 

The new law proposes the opposite of the current local law in that it includes specific places where you can't drink, rather than specific places where you can drink. It also has measures that are designed to protect people who may be experiencing vulnerability by making sure that they are not punished for their situation and instead they receive the support they need. 

This different approach targets particular places and times that can be complex, because it aims to be more responsive to the specific needs of the Yarra community. 

Responsible drinking in public places would be allowed throughout Yarra except for: 

• In Yarra's public parks and reserves between 9pm and 9am each day.
• On the footpath adjoining a licensed venue when it is open and trading, except where the venue mainly sells takeaway liquor (like bottle shops). 
• Within 10 metres of the entrance and exit of public buildings or facilities that provide services to families and children (this includes libraries and leisure centres). 
• Around New Year's Eve, from 9pm on 30 December to 9am 1 January. 
• Around Swan Street in Cremorne and Richmond during AFL Grand Final weekend, from 9pm the day before until 9am the day after AFL Grand Final day. 

New restrictions prescribed by Council resolution 

The new law also proposes that in certain situations additional restrictions can be prescribed by Council resolution. This would allow Yarra Council to respond to exceptional circumstances as they arise and is only to be used where it is clear that there is an extraordinary and immediate risk to public safety related to the consumption of alcohol. Yarra Council would be required to follow specific rules as to when and how a prescription could be made, which are set out in a Procedures and Protocols Manual. 

Social considerations 

The proposed new law starts with a statement that explains that it is not to be used in situations where a person appears to be physically, psychologically, socially, culturally or economically vulnerable. 

There are also specific rules in the Procedures and Protocols Manual that direct anyone enforcing the law to first consider circumstances and offer appropriate support instead of punishment. 

In this way, the proposed new law is not intended to be used against anyone experiencing vulnerability or stop them from accessing support. 

Find out more about the proposed local law on our Your Say Yarra website.