Australia Public intoxication

while technically illegal in states , territories of australia drunk , disorderly, australian police relatively lenient public intoxication. transport ip ( intoxicated person ) or residence or temporary detention @ police station or other welfare establishment until person sober.

in victoria being drunk in public place , drunk , disorderly in public place separate offences contained in summary offences act 1966 have own power of arrest. recent changes legislation allow police issue infringement notice these offences in addition traditional method of charging , bailing offender magistrates court. current fine attached infringement notice $590.00 first offence , $1100.00 subsequent offence. person arrested being drunk or drunk , disorderly held @ melbourne custody centre or cells @ police station or placed in care of friend or relative.

in new south wales police have discretion issue on spot fines or infringement notices drunk in public , fine costs individual on $480 (4 penalty units). community legal centres across state complain these fines , impact has had on various vulnerable members of community, including young people, homeless , minority groups..

prosecution (charging) considered if person violent or other offenses have been committed.

as example, drunk , disorderly fine in state of new south wales starts @ $550.

as of february 2009, local councils in state of new south wales not allowed charge people drink in alcohol free zones; permitted confiscate alcohol of intoxicated person.