[no bill text published] Protection from Prosecution for Drinking Alcohol in Public Places
Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024
Private Member's BillLegislative Council
Legislative Assembly
Assent
Introduced by: John Ruddick MLC (LIBT)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Chris Rath LIB
“I support the excellent Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024, introduced by the Hon. John Ruddick. I do not think there is anything wrong with getting on the beers with your mates on a sunny afternoon in Sydney. Although I am probably not on the beer side of under 40 these days; I am probably more on the Aperol spritz side of heading towards my forties.”
John Graham ALP
“I thank the Hon. Chris Rath for filibustering—not just on behalf of the Opposition but also on behalf of the Government, as I grabbed the wrong speech as I was running down to the Chamber. I thank the Hon. John Ruddick for introducing the Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024. I also thank him for his remarks.”
Scott Farlow LIB
“I lead on behalf of the Coalition, with some delay, to contribute to debate on the Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024 proposed by the Hon. John Ruddick. From the outset, I confirm that the Coalition supports the legislation.”
Cate Faehrmann GRN
“I speak on behalf of The Greens in debate on the Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024. I indicate at the outset that The Greens do not support the bill. It is certainly the case that The Greens support a more liberal, progressive approach to alcohol and other drug laws. Drug and alcohol prohibition does not lead to harm reduction.”
Stephen Lawrence ALP
“I contribute to debate on the Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024 because I sat on the committee that inquired into the bill. It was a very interesting inquiry. We got the benefit of the views of a large number of stakeholders. I am a little surprised that the Opposition is supporting the bill.”
“On behalf of the Legalise Cannabis Party, I support the Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024. As the chair of the inquiry into the bill, I acknowledge that there was a diversity of views.”
Peter Primrose ALP
“I make a brief contribution to the debate on the Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024. The member who introduced the bill is well intentioned, and the bill contains some good ideas. In no way am I questioning those good ideas. My concern, which was echoed in the Minister’s comments, is that the bill is not fully formed yet. More work is required.”
Greg Donnelly ALP
“I make a small contribution to the debate on the Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024. I was going to raise a number of points, but they have been well covered by preceding Government contributors, so I do not intend to repeat them. But I echo the comments and sentiments of the Hon. Peter Primrose about the member’s work in putting the bill together.”
John Ruddick LIBT
“I especially thank the Hon. Chris Rath and the Hon. Scott Farlow from the Opposition. It is good to see the Liberal Party rediscovering its liberal approach. I hope to be re‑elected in a few years, but if that is not the case then I hope I can leave here and say that I helped the good old Liberal Party become more liberal.”
News articles and press releases
Alcohol Consumption in Public Places (Liberalisation) Bill 2024
The Hon. JOHN RUDDICK — 2024-06-05
The bill confers the right to drink in public places, including public places defined under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 and the Local Government Act 1993, and land held by a statutory body or a New South Wales government agency, but not including a road within the meaning of the Roads Act 1993 unless recreational activities are permitted on the road. Public drunkenness ceased being a crime in New South Wales in 1979. It should not be an offence to be drunk in public. Most can be inebriated and remain civil. A small but prominent minority will become louts, so the bill defers to the existing legislation and penalties under the Summary Offences Act 1988 and the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 in part 9, while also conferring new drinking rights under part 7. Public authorities will still have existing powers to take action against public antisocial behaviour.