The controversy centred on whether a complete ban on drinking is needed in Port Pirie’s business centre.

The previous dry zone licences for Port Pirie expired on July 6 and between then and this month there have been no restrictions on public drinking within the town.

This made it all the more urgent that the Port Pirie Regional Council, Independent Member for Frome Geoff Brock and police came to an agreement on dry zones.

At Wednesday’s council meeting it was decided, with consent from Mr Brock and the police, that a 24-hour alcohol ban is the only appropriate restriction to impose on the city.

Affected areas include the central business district, Memorial Park, Solomontown Beach, the boat ramp and Main Road.

The Flinders View Park area will also be counted as a dry zone and was the subject of much controversy earlier in the year when it was proposed to be a dry zone only between 10pm and 10am.

In a letter to the council, police Superintendent Howard Davies said inconsistency in dry zones can “create confusion for the public,” and would be difficult to police “in a consistent and fair manner.”

Mr Brock agreed in his letter to the

council, saying that there has been a reduction in drink-related incidents during daytime hours.

“This is a result of the great success of the previously applied 24-hour dry zone application of the central business district,” he said.

The latest dry zone restrictions will apply from “September”, according to council papers.