A Dubbo City Council committee recommended the renewal of the zones in the central business district (CBD), the West Dubbo commercial area and six neighbourhood shopping centres.

The decision was made on the advice of community services director David Dwyer, who also said in his report the renewal process would cost about $3000, and could be covered by the existing 2014-15 budget.

But during the debate Cr Greg Mohr urged the council to join forces with its counterparts to push the state government to increase penalties for people breaching the rules.

Committee chairman Allan Smith told Cr Mohr the case had been made in the past, but it could be taken up once more.

Cr Smith said yesterday the alcohol-free zones had been in operation since 2002 and covered public roads, footpaths and car parks, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the designated areas.

"Dubbo police have previously indicated the alcohol-free zones have been an effective tool to deal with antisocial behaviour and criminal activity and that they should be maintained to continue to improve safety in the city," he said.

"Over the past few years, police have reported relatively low incidences of enforcement of the alcohol-free zones, which may indicate that the zones are being adhered to by residents, however to maintain this low level of street drinking it is recommended the alcohol-free zones are continued.

Cr Smith said in the 2013 community survey 'crime prevention' and 'law and order initiatives' ranked as the highest social and community service priority for council's attention and the third highest priority for all council services.

"The highest number of respondents at 32 per cent listed crime as one of the three things of most concern about living in Dubbo, this statistic from last year indicates council needs to continue to maintain its focus on ensuring safety in the city for our residents," Cr Smith said.

"By renewing the alcohol-free zones... we can work towards further driving down the number of alcohol-related crimes occurring in our city."

If endorsed by council at its meeting next week, the proposed alcohol-free zones will need to be advertised in the local media, with submissions invited for 14 days.

The council will need to forward letters to all licensed premises in the proposed zones and the police and allow 30 days for written submissions and comment.

A letter will be forwarded to the Anti Discrimination Board, allowing 40 days for written comment.

After the close of comment, council will need to consider any written submissions in making its final decision on the proposed zoning and advertise the renewed zones in the media seven days prior to renewing the alcohol free zones.