Drinking alcohol in public places in Whitehorse without a permit is banned under Whitehorse Community Local Law 2024 ( DOCX 36.74KB) S2.16. This ban applies at all times in all public places and is enforced by Victoria Police who can issue an on-the-spot fine to individuals breaking the law.
The ban applies to people who, without a Council permit, dispense or consume alcohol or have in their possession an open receptacle that contains liquor in a public place. A public place includes a road, footpath, reserve or park. It does not apply to:
- Licensed outdoor dining areas
- Licensed premises or authorised premises under the Liquor Control Act (1987)
- At a organised event or family picnic provided no nuisance is caused to other patrons and the area is left clear of any debris and tidy.
(NOTE: liquor means a beverage intended for human consumption with an alcoholic content greater than 0.5 per centum by volume at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.)
Permit Conditions - Possess or consume liquor
Permit Conditions
- The permit holder must ensure that all the permit conditions are complied with at all times.
- The permit is not transferrable:
- Permits are not to be photocopied or used by someone not named on the permit
- Permits are not to be leased, sold or given away
- No form of advertising of a permit for rent, lease, sale profit or other beneficial or fraudulent consideration of causing such an advertisement to be published is permitted.
- The permit holder or their representative must comply with any parking regulations in the area if required, unless otherwise agreed to by Council. A permit will not override any clearway or freeway parking restrictions.
- Manholes, hydrants, telephone boxes, taxi ranks and tram and bus stops may not be obstructed.
- The permit does not entitle the permit holder to cause danger to the normal flow of traffic or restrict traffic movements.
- Council will NOT allow, without a valid Council permit, the installation of permanent structures on Council land.
- At the conclusion of the permit period a new application form must be submitted.
- The permit must be produced for an Authorised Council Officer on request.
- The permit holder will comply with all directions by a member of Victoria Police or Authorised Council Officer, including a direction that the permitted activity cease and any related plant or equipment be removed.
- The consumption of liquor:
- May not impact the quiet enjoyment of other users of the municipal place or road and the amenity of the area.
- Is to be consistent with the normal use of the municipal place or road.
- Must be supported by facilities and services for rubbish removal, toilets, security, health and safety services.
- Must not impact Council Assets and the environment.
- Must be covered by Public Liability Insurance of at least $10m for the permit period.
Permit Condition Breaches
If the permit holder breaches the permit conditions:
- The permit may be cancelled
- Penalties may be applied
- Costs incurred by Council may be charged directly to the permit holder
- Goods or equipment may be impounded
- Future permit applications may be declined.
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