Two police officers were present at the beginning of the long meeting. Braidwood Times editor Alex Rea asked if the matter might be brought forward so that they could get back to work. The Mayor ruled that Council stick to the agenda.

When the item did come up almost 4 hours later, Cr Raynolds was first to his feet to say "I'm against it...and I'm disappointed they've come in uniform. I believe it's a form of intimidation"

"Where I drink some people smoke. It's one of the few social activities I enjoy - on the footpath, especially in the heat. People drinking outside is not offensive," said Raynolds.

Mayor Ian Marjason agreed saying "It's good to sit outside with a bottle of wine. We need to guard against the erosion of our rights."

Cr Cockram added "I used to live in Tennant Creek so have some experience in the matter. But this is only a trial. There's no liberty in sitting on someone's car drinking"

"It's a good thing they were in uniform and it was rude of us not to let them put their case."

Cr Bransdon said "It's a policing issue, not a community one. I also enjoy al fresco dining."

Cr Moore countered that while she enjoyed a glass of red, there is a need to stop over consumption of alcohol.

Cr Crozier said "it would be an unsuccessful intervention."

When the Bungendore Alcohol Free Zone came up Cr Marjason added that "in this climate not too many people drink outside anyway."

Cr Bransdon questioned the effect on events at the oval? "I've seen the damage to council signs, but still people drink in the pubs, outside, in the street, they'll still misbehave...I'm opposed to it, it is ill designed and inappropriate at this time."