Whilst the committee does not want to encourage displays of public drinking, they believe a temporary suspension of the Alcohol Free Zones would allow hotel patrons access to the street and the park to enjoy an evening of free entertainment.

The party is planned to provide free entertainment in the form of buskers, bands and designated outdoor eating/drinking areas in central Parkes to cater for the hundreds of people arriving in town on the Friday.

In a letter to Parkes Shire Council, Tiffany Slack-Smith, on behalf of the Parkes Elvis Festival Committee, said the party would encourage longer trading hours for shops, encourage more buskers and allow pubs and clubs to serve alcohol in designated outdoor areas.

‘The committee is aware that by adding a new public event that the workload and costs to the Parkes Shire Council will increase,’ she wrote.

‘We would like to work closely with the Parkes Shire Council, police and Liquor Licence Board to temporarily suspend the alcohol free zones during the 2009 Parkes Elvis Festival.’

Mrs Slack-Smith suggested the possibility of participating pubs and clubs meeting any associated costs.

‘The committee has also had preliminary discussions on street closures to coincide with the activities and I would appreciate if you (council) could start discussions on temporarily suspending the alcohol free zones.’

Parkes Shire Council can suspend AFZ’s under a section of the Local Government Act in consultation with local police.

Council’s General Manager Alan McCormack said the committee’s request raised a number of issues in relation to Liquor Licensing and public street drinking.

‘A first step may be to discuss the proposal with the local Licensing Officer of the Lachlan Area Command,’ he said.

He suggested council defer further consideration on the issue until after an initial meeting is held between the Lachlan Area Command and the Elvis Festival Committee. Councillors agreed.

Meanwhile, the committee is expected to present a report to next months Parkes Shire Council meeting following a meeting with local businesses in relation to the street party proposal.

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PRESS

It is understood an Elvis Festival co-ordinator has been appointed to prepare for next year’s Elvis celebration.

Interviews were held last week and an announcement on the successful applicant is expected shortly.