Byron Shire Council will crack down on illegal camping and drinking in designated zones around town for this weekend’s Splendour in the Grass festival at Belongil Fields.
The no-camping and alcohol-free zones will be enforced with extra council rangers patrolling the areas over the weekend.
Council’s governance manager, Ralph James, said Byron Bay’s CBD, including Ewingsdale Road and Shirley Street between Belongil Fields and town proper, were alcohol free.
‘The same thing goes for our beaches and public parks,’ Mr James said.
‘Part of the reason Splendour sold out so quickly this year was because it was back in Byron. We want to preserve those features that make Byron so special to begin with, so we are asking people to please drink responsibly in licensed venues only, rather than in public spaces.’
Areas in the town now off-limits to street camping would also be monitored during the weekend.
Council recently erected signs banning street camping at various locations in the shire, including Somerset and Butler streets.
There would also be parking restrictions in place at Sunrise Beach.
‘During Splendour, anyone who does not live in Sunrise Beach will be prevented from parking in the neighbourhood. Given it is across the road from the festival site, we need to ensure residents are not unduly inconvenienced by people seeking to illegally park close to Belongil Fields,’ Mr James said.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
