I’ve only lived, long term, in two of Australia’s states. In both of those (Qld and WA) it is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place or to be holding an open container of alcohol in a public place, and the inside of a vehicle is considered a public place for that purpose.

I had assumed it was similar elsewhere but I’ve just been told that there’s no law against public drinking in South Australia (though there are some designated dry zones such as shopping centres).

What is the law in other places?

Council by-laws permit drinking of alcohol in public in various specified areas in Tasmania.

dv said:

I’ve only lived, long term, in two of Australia’s states. In both of those (Qld and WA) it is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place or to be holding an open container of alcohol in a public place, and the inside of a vehicle is considered a public place for that purpose.

I had assumed it was similar elsewhere but I’ve just been told that there’s no law against public drinking in South Australia (though there are some designated dry zones such as shopping centres).

What is the law in other places?

The inside of a vehicle is considered a public place? That I did not know.

What is the law about having a family barby in a public park and a few bevvies being served? I’ve never worried about the wallopers turning up at an event like that.

sibeen said:

What is the law about having a family barby in a public park and a few bevvies being served? I’ve never worried about the wallopers turning up at an event like that.

May be specifically permitted by the local council. If not, it’s likely to be illegal.

sibeen said:

What is the law about having a family barby in a public park and a few bevvies being served? I’ve never worried about the wallopers turning up at an event like that.

It’s illegal in Western Australia.

dv said:

sibeen said:

What is the law about having a family barby in a public park and a few bevvies being served? I’ve never worried about the wallopers turning up at an event like that.

It’s illegal in Western Australia.

I suspect it is in Victoria as well, but I’ve certainly never worried myself about it.

I was at a do over in King’s Park, Perth a few years ago. Family stuff. We in any way furtive about our drinking and I doubt anybody gave the law a moments thought.

>I had assumed it was similar elsewhere but I’ve just been told that there’s no law against public drinking in South Australia (though there are some designated dry zones such as shopping centres).

I remember large groups of indigenous people meeting in Adelaide’s various city squares to sit and chat and share flagons etc. If I recall rightly, laws were then passed to prevent boozing in those spots.

sibeen said:

dv said:

sibeen said:

What is the law about having a family barby in a public park and a few bevvies being served? I’ve never worried about the wallopers turning up at an event like that.

It’s illegal in Western Australia.

I suspect it is in Victoria as well, but I’ve certainly never worried myself about it.

I was at a do over in King’s Park, Perth a few years ago. Family stuff. We in any way furtive about our drinking and I doubt anybody gave the law a moments thought.

Throw a ‘weren’t’ in the appropriate place.

Cops are not allowed to charge people with ‘Being a Dickhead in a Public Place’, so they have public drinking laws.

No idea from me. I’ve lived in NSW, Qld and Vic. I thought the laws in each was the same. And I thought that public drinking was allowed everywhere except in places where there was a specific sign banning it. Perhaps the law changed.

But what do I know, I only drink at home and in restaurants and pubs.

While talking public laws, what are the laws for carrying a realistic-looking toy gun in a public place? I know one case where police were called.

A note here, it seems that the prohibition of drinking in vehicles in WA is limited to “hired vehicles”, ie. cab, uber, hire car and bus.

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_laws_of_Australia

NSW
“Some local councils have passed by-laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on streets within their areas, especially the Sydney CBD Entertainment Precinct, which stretches from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, to the end of George Street. In other parts of Sydney, many suburbs still have similar ‘alcohol-free zones’, notably the immediate streets near railway stations, all main roads in Hurstville, Bankstown, Chatswood, and the City of Willoughby. Most of these bans last for four years and can be renewed each September of the four-year cycle under council discretion. Breach of the by-law can result in confiscation and disposal of open bottles of alcohol; however no fine can be issued.”

Victoria
“Some local government by-laws prohibit the consumption of alcohol on designated streets, parks, and other areas within their jurisdictions.”
“Until May 2015, there was a single area in Melbourne, encompassing some or all of Balwyn, Camberwell, Canterbury, Glen Iris, Box Hill, Mont Albert, and Surrey Hills, that had the status of a “dry-area”. (This does not prohibit public drinking there).

Western Australia
“It is an offence in Western Australia for persons of any age to drink in public, such as on the street, park, beach, or as a passenger in a hired vehicle without first having obtained a permit from the appropriate local government authority. Such permits are at the discretion of the local council—some public events have a total ban on alcohol consumption and no permits will be issued.”

mollwollfumble said:

While talking public laws, what are the laws for carrying a realistic-looking toy gun in a public place? I know one case where police were called.

I think that’s covered by summary offences laws, comes under the heading of ‘causing alarm and affront’.

I looked it up. Looks like you can drink alcohol in public in Victoria unless there is a local bylaw against it. In Warrnambool and Hamilton you can’t drink in public in the main shopping areas.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/alcohol-and-the-law

Links from this site for other states. The Victorian one takes you to the one in my previous post.

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/alcohol/about-alcohol/alcohol-laws-in-australia

No drinking in public places up here in the FNQ.

If having a barbie on the Esplanade or in a park and you have an open bottle/can the police come along and you have to tip it out.

I have had a few barbies in such places over the years and have kept the bottle hidden and drank out of a mug or similar :)

Spider Lily said:

No drinking in public places up here in the FNQ.

If having a barbie on the Esplanade or in a park and you have an open bottle/can the police come along and you have to tip it out.

I have had a few barbies in such places over the years and have kept the bottle hidden and drank out of a mug or similar :)

With prominently displayed soft drink bottles on the tables.

sibeen said:

sibeen said:

dv said:

It’s illegal in Western Australia.

I suspect it is in Victoria as well, but I’ve certainly never worried myself about it.

I was at a do over in King’s Park, Perth a few years ago. Family stuff. We in any way furtive about our drinking and I doubt anybody gave the law a moments thought.

Throw a ‘weren’t’ in the appropriate place.

Technically you need to apply for a permit, especially if you have a large group or function. But as a general rule blind eyes are turned if you’re just enjoying yourself and not impinging upon anyone else’s enjoyment. The bans exist because not everybody can abide by the second part of the bargain, so any unsocial behaviour the cops have an immediate cause to issue a move-on notice.

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

sibeen said:

I suspect it is in Victoria as well, but I’ve certainly never worried myself about it.

I was at a do over in King’s Park, Perth a few years ago. Family stuff. We in any way furtive about our drinking and I doubt anybody gave the law a moments thought.

Throw a ‘weren’t’ in the appropriate place.

Technically you need to apply for a permit, especially if you have a large group or function. But as a general rule blind eyes are turned if you’re just enjoying yourself and not impinging upon anyone else’s enjoyment. The bans exist because not everybody can abide by the second part of the bargain, so any unsocial behaviour the cops have an immediate cause to issue a move-on notice.

exactly, police discretion is a massive part of these laws. Enoy yourself and don’t be a fucktard about it and you’ll be fine.

Arts said:

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

Throw a ‘weren’t’ in the appropriate place.

Technically you need to apply for a permit, especially if you have a large group or function. But as a general rule blind eyes are turned if you’re just enjoying yourself and not impinging upon anyone else’s enjoyment. The bans exist because not everybody can abide by the second part of the bargain, so any unsocial behaviour the cops have an immediate cause to issue a move-on notice.

exactly, police discretion is a massive part of these laws. Enoy yourself and don’t be a fucktard about it and you’ll be fine.

Me to a tee, as you’re well aware; a paradigm of fucking decorum.

sibeen said:

Arts said:

party_pants said:

Technically you need to apply for a permit, especially if you have a large group or function. But as a general rule blind eyes are turned if you’re just enjoying yourself and not impinging upon anyone else’s enjoyment. The bans exist because not everybody can abide by the second part of the bargain, so any unsocial behaviour the cops have an immediate cause to issue a move-on notice.

exactly, police discretion is a massive part of these laws. Enoy yourself and don’t be a fucktard about it and you’ll be fine.

Me to a tee, as you’re well aware; a paradigm of fucking decorum.

I’ve lost count of how many times we have drunk in the park and been the pinnacle of fucking decorum. It must be yet another fine, highly tuned skill of the forum people.

Arts said:

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

Throw a ‘weren’t’ in the appropriate place.

Technically you need to apply for a permit, especially if you have a large group or function. But as a general rule blind eyes are turned if you’re just enjoying yourself and not impinging upon anyone else’s enjoyment. The bans exist because not everybody can abide by the second part of the bargain, so any unsocial behaviour the cops have an immediate cause to issue a move-on notice.

exactly, police discretion is a massive part of these laws. Enoy yourself and don’t be a fucktard about it and you’ll be fine.

Police discretion can be a terrible thing, allowing prejudiced behaviour

Arts said:

sibeen said:

Arts said:

exactly, police discretion is a massive part of these laws. Enoy yourself and don’t be a fucktard about it and you’ll be fine.

Me to a tee, as you’re well aware; a paradigm of fucking decorum.

I’ve lost count of how many times we have drunk in the park and been the pinnacle of fucking decorum. It must be yet another fine, highly tuned skill of the forum people.

>Nods<

RTFM, driving, and getting fucked up in a public place.

dv said:

Arts said:

party_pants said:

Technically you need to apply for a permit, especially if you have a large group or function. But as a general rule blind eyes are turned if you’re just enjoying yourself and not impinging upon anyone else’s enjoyment. The bans exist because not everybody can abide by the second part of the bargain, so any unsocial behaviour the cops have an immediate cause to issue a move-on notice.

exactly, police discretion is a massive part of these laws. Enoy yourself and don’t be a fucktard about it and you’ll be fine.

Police discretion can be a terrible thing, allowing prejudiced behaviour

well, that’s true… even in the drinking case… they are more likely to check out a bunch of teenagers sharing their parents cognac than a bunch of middle aged semi alcoholics with fifteen kids in the playground.

dv said:

Arts said:

party_pants said:

Technically you need to apply for a permit, especially if you have a large group or function. But as a general rule blind eyes are turned if you’re just enjoying yourself and not impinging upon anyone else’s enjoyment. The bans exist because not everybody can abide by the second part of the bargain, so any unsocial behaviour the cops have an immediate cause to issue a move-on notice.

exactly, police discretion is a massive part of these laws. Enoy yourself and don’t be a fucktard about it and you’ll be fine.

Police discretion can be a terrible thing, allowing prejudiced behaviour

^

Arts said:

dv said:

Arts said:

exactly, police discretion is a massive part of these laws. Enoy yourself and don’t be a fucktard about it and you’ll be fine.

Police discretion can be a terrible thing, allowing prejudiced behaviour

well, that’s true… even in the drinking case… they are more likely to check out a bunch of teenagers sharing their parents cognac than a bunch of middle aged semi alcoholics with fifteen kids in the playground.

I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take offence at that ‘semi-alcoholic’ dig.

sibeen said:

Arts said:

dv said:

Police discretion can be a terrible thing, allowing prejudiced behaviour

well, that’s true… even in the drinking case… they are more likely to check out a bunch of teenagers sharing their parents cognac than a bunch of middle aged semi alcoholics with fifteen kids in the playground.

I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take offence at that ‘semi-alcoholic’ dig.

dv said:

Arts said:

party_pants said:

Technically you need to apply for a permit, especially if you have a large group or function. But as a general rule blind eyes are turned if you’re just enjoying yourself and not impinging upon anyone else’s enjoyment. The bans exist because not everybody can abide by the second part of the bargain, so any unsocial behaviour the cops have an immediate cause to issue a move-on notice.

exactly, police discretion is a massive part of these laws. Enoy yourself and don’t be a fucktard about it and you’ll be fine.

Police discretion can be a terrible thing, allowing prejudiced behaviour

Was there some suggestion that police discretion was somehow less than 100% prejudicial behaviour?

Have you people even met cops?

Arts said:

sibeen said:

Arts said:

well, that’s true… even in the drinking case… they are more likely to check out a bunch of teenagers sharing their parents cognac than a bunch of middle aged semi alcoholics with fifteen kids in the playground.

I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take offence at that ‘semi-alcoholic’ dig.

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

sibeen said:

Arts said:

sibeen said:

I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take offence at that ‘semi-alcoholic’ dig.

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

I take it it’s the semi part that is offensive

dv said:

sibeen said:

Arts said:

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

I take it it’s the semi part that is offensive

Off course, what else could it have been?

sibeen said:

Arts said:

sibeen said:

I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take offence at that ‘semi-alcoholic’ dig.

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

I miss Boris.

dv said:

sibeen said:

Arts said:

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

I take it it’s the semi part that is offensive

well, of course, but I enjoyed the opportunity to bust out some Fry wisdom.

sibeen said:

Arts said:

sibeen said:

I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take offence at that ‘semi-alcoholic’ dig.

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

Did you forgot acerbic and vitriolic?

Arts said:

sibeen said:

Arts said:

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

I miss Boris.

And me.

Rule 303 said:

sibeen said:

Arts said:

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

Did you forgot acerbic and vitriolic?

I only use words I know the meaning of.

sarahs mum said:

Arts said:

sibeen said:

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

I miss Boris.

And me.

kicks dirt

Yeah…but I’ll deny ever saying it.

sibeen said:

Rule 303 said:

sibeen said:

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

Did you forgot acerbic and vitriolic?

I only use words I know the meaning of.

Likewads.

Wait, where’s Boris?

dv said:

Wait, where’s Boris?

He has said he is taking a break.

sarahs mum said:

dv said:

Wait, where’s Boris?

He has said he is taking a break.

damn

dv said:

sibeen said:

Arts said:

Well, that diatribe has certainly hurt my feelings. I do hope that you’re satisfied!

I take it it’s the semi part that is offensive

Of course. If you’re going on the offensive, come to attention!

sibeen said:

sarahs mum said:

Arts said:

I miss Boris.

And me.

kicks dirt

Yeah…but I’ll deny ever saying it.

Trouble is, all he has to do is read back.

sibeen said:

Senior sprog has been making lemonade. The tree out the back is still chockers with fruit and the one out the front isn’t far off.

Peak Warming Man said:

sibeen said:

Senior sprog has been making lemonade. The tree out the back is still chockers with fruit and the one out the front isn’t far off.

Rofl