The signs, which line many of the main streets in the city, show the consumption of alcohol is prohibited from December 1, 2011 through to November 30, 2015.

The signs are the responsibility of the Queanbeyan City Council, and police have been in discussions with the council to update the signs.

Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Neil Grey acknowledged the signs were out of date.

He said as well as updating the existing signs, parks and other public areas across Queanbeyan would be designated alcohol free zones, including the revamped Queen Elizabeth Park.

"We would be seeking to have that area designated an alcohol free zone," detective chief inspector Grey said.

"I just think council will spend a lot of money there, it is going to be a very nice area when they are finished, it will have a lot of attractions for young people and children and I do not think alcohol is necessary," he said.

Detective chief inspector Grey said the alcohol free zones would be in line with a cultural change where is it unacceptable in most places to drink alcohol in public.

"The days of people drinking in public are gone. The community is proactive in trying to encourage families back into parks and having areas that everyone can enjoy," he said.

The amendments would be put up for community consultation when finalised.