Alcohol may be banned from the entire main street of Balclutha as plans for a liquor bylaw gain momentum.
This week's Clutha District Council regulatory services committee recommended the full council consider the entire proposal at its meeting on May 1 and then release it for public feedback.
Originally, the area from the Balclutha War Memorial Hall to Balclutha Mitsubishi on Clyde St was the area earmarked for a liquor ban in the area but a meeting of retailers last week backed moves to extend that from Rosebank Lodge at the south end of town to the Night 'n Day
store in North Balclutha.
The Clutha Youth Council also wants the Arthur Strang Reserve and boat ramp area included.
Several key spots in Milton will also be included if the bylaw is enacted.
These and other details will be debated by the full council before the public can respond.
If adopted, the bylaw would impose a total prohibition on liquor consumption and possession in specified areas.
Planning and environment manager Murray Brass said the town hall area and retail block were targeted because there had been problems with liquor-related antisocial behaviour in those places.
"These problems have been around for quite a long time and despite police and council efforts, with surveillance and monitoring, the problems still exist in these areas.''
The alcohol-related offensive and nuisance behaviour in and around public areas, such as Balclutha and Milton's public toilets, could intimidate and prevent people from using those facilities, he said.
Committee members were unanimous in their support for the bylaw, Mr Brass said.
The full council is expected to adopt the draft bylaw and release its details plus maps, outlining the proposed liquor ban areas, for public consultation.
The public will get four weeks to make submissions and the council will hear from submitters before making a final decision.
