THE entire Parramatta central business district has been declared an alcohol-free zone.

At its meeting on Monday, July 14, Parramatta Council supported the plan to join all the established alcohol-free zones of the CBD into a larger all-encompassing zone.

Parramatta police licensing sergeant Trevor Katsadas supported the move in a letter to the council, saying it would be effective in further reducing alcohol related incidents in the local area command.

Sergeant Katsadas said extending the alcohol-free zone would also make Parramatta safer for the public and visitors and help prevent antisocial behaviour.

"There is no reasonable excuse for anyone to walk the streets of the CBD consuming alcohol as ... there are an abundant number of licensed premises from which to purchase and consume alcohol,'' Sergeant Katsadas said.

Parramatta CBD currently has eight hotels, one nightclub, three clubs and 100 restaurants.

Beer and skittles

PARRAMATTA Council has approved a development application for a tenpin bowling alley and bar on the first floor of a heritage listed building on the corner of Church, Macquarie and Marsden streets.

The 14 bowling lanes and licensed bar will be allowed to operate between 10am and 11pm from Sunday to Wednesday and from 10am to midnight from Thursday to Saturday.

Chinese celebration

PARRAMATTA'S Chinatown will be the focal point for celebrations to mark the completion of the upgrade of Church Street South and the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics on August 8.

The council endorsed the proposal for the celebration in a motion from Councillor Julia Finn (Labor) at its meeting on Monday, July 14.

The Chinese New Year planning committee will be invited to help organise the event which will include a series of cultural performances and the screening of the opening ceremony on a big screen television.