Whyalla goes alcohol-free: South Australian city bans booze in bid to counter escalating anti-social behaviour

Whyalla has become the latest South Australian city to introduce a permanent, CBD-wide dry zone after years of mounting concern over alcohol‑fuelled anti‑social behaviour.

From Monday, December 1, drinking in public will be banned across the coastal city of 22,000, with the rule applying everywhere except private homes and licensed venues.

The move follows a successful trial and builds on earlier restrictions, including bans on large cask wine sales and fortified liquor, which remain in place until at least April 2026.

Mayor Phill Stone said the response to the survey on if the ban should go ahead was the biggest council had seen in the past five years, leading to councillors’ unanimous decision to to create a city-wide dry zone.

“The decision was not made lightly, as we’re aware this will be a significant change for the community,” Stone said.

“However, after reading every comment both for and against a city-wide dry zone, providing us an understanding of community sentiment, we were able to make a measured decision that represented the views presented by residents.”

Local police reported a sharp drop in disturbances and fines since restrictions around alcohol began, crediting the measures with easing pressure on limited resources — sometimes just two officers covering the entire town at night.

The push for tougher rules was led by MP Eddie Hughes and the Whyalla City Council, who argued the dry zone needed to cover hotspots like the Westland Shopping Centre and Westland Hotel precinct.

“This needs to be done given the unacceptable behaviour on McDouall Stuart Avenue and surrounding area,” Hughes said.

Community consultation showed strong support, with most residents saying the ban would make Whyalla safer.

Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Brett Humphrey said the restrictions were part of a broader plan.

“The imposition of restrictions on the sale of takeaway liquor is just one lever that can be used to combat alcohol‑related harm and anti‑social behaviour,” he said.

Authorities, council, and local businesses are now working together to ensure the new rules stick.