<P> Although details and penalties vary from state to state, drinking in public places directly outside licensed premises (and also in council - designated no alcohol zones) is illegal . Generally, possession of an open container of alcohol is sufficient proof of public drinking . </P> <P> In New South Wales, drinking in public is legal unless an area is declared to be an alcohol - free zone . All of the New South Wales state's 152 Local Government Council City / Shire Council Rangers and Authorised Staff are allowed to use their discretion to tip out and confiscate open containers in public streets in officially designated alcohol free zones within their own Council boundary; but not arrest nor issue Fines / Infringements for this purpose, leading many to turn a' blind eye' to these infractions to avoid conflict and fights (http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/councils-fearful-of-enforcing-alcohol-confiscation-laws-20110831-1jm28.html). </P> <P> In Austria, the possession of open containers of alcohol is legal by people of the legal drinking age depending on which kind of beverage it is and which state one is in). </P> <P> Some cities, like Graz in Styria, limit public consumption of alcohol in specific areas . </P>

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