Liquor Licensing legislation states that a "dry area" is an area where the consumption of alcohol or possession of open containers of alcohol is prohibited.  This applies even if you are just moving through a Dry Area.  Possession of alcohol in an open container does not take account of whether the alcohol is being consumed or not.  A person can possess alcohol (e.g., carton of beer, a bottle of wine or alcohol in an esky) in a Dry Area provided the container is unopened. Unless the contrary intention appears, the prohibition of the possession of liquor in the area does not extend to:

(a) a person who is genuinely passing through the area if:
(i) the liquor is in the original container in which it was purchased from the licensed premises; and
(ii) the container has not been opened; or

(b) a person who has possession of the liquor in the course of carrying on a business or in the course of his or her employment by another person in the course of carrying on a business; or

(c) a person who is permanently or temporarily residing at premises within the area or on the boundary of the area and who enters the area solely for the purpose of passing through it to enter those premises or who enters the area from those premises for the purpose of leaving the area.

A person who consumes alcohol or has possession of opened containers of alcohol in a Dry Area between 9.00pm and 6.00am (Strathalbyn), between 10.00pm and 6.00am (Port Elliot) or anytime within a 24-hour time period (Goolwa Skate Park & Strathalbyn Skate Park) is guilty of an offence. The offence carries a maximum penalty and offenders are usually issued with an expiation notice plus payment of a Victims of Crime Levy. Dry Areas are enforced by SA Police.

The implementation of the Dry Area areas should reduce the incidence of public drinking and subsequent antisocial behaviour associated with intoxication. Dry Areas raise awareness amongst all community members that drinking to excess in public is not a socially acceptable activity. Local residents and visitors alike need to be aware that the Alexandrina Council is a proactive, socially responsible and family friendly community.

SA Police enforces and monitors the Dry Areas. They can be contacted on all matters relating to the Dry Areas by phoning 131 444.

Rules for the Dry Areas only apply to public places, so you may consume alcohol or possess an open container on private property providing that doesn't cross the private boundary and stray into Dry Areas.

A person is not permitted to consume alcohol or possess an open container of alcohol in a privately owned vehicle within a Dry Area.

Within the Alexandrina Council region, Caravan Parks have not been included within the Dry Area boundaries.  However, there may be local Caravan Park rules which apply to the consumption of alcohol within the Caravan Park.

Dry Areas operate at different times dependent upon their location (see above times).  People can consume alcohol or possess open containers of alcohol in these areas at other times of the day except for the Goolwa & Strathalbyn Skate Parks which are Dry Areas 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

For further information, please contact Council on (08) 8555 7000 or email alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au

Dry Areas are enforced by SA Police. Any concerns regarding persons drinking in a designated dry area are to be reported to SA Police on 131 444.

Click here to view Dry Areas in the Region - Fact Sheet