Stunned at the revelation a small group of people attending the Albury dawn service last month were spotted drinking, Cr King has tabled a notice of motion for council’s next meeting on Monday for the Monument Hill area to be added to the city’s alcohol free zones on Anzac Day only.

Cr King said he didn’t attend the dawn service, but said the actions lacked respect and council needed to act to avoid a repeat of the incident.​

“Unfortunately people see the need to be getting plastered at 5am,” he said.

“It’s not showing respect to the people who made the ultimate sacrifice and satisfying their own stupidity.

“There are 364 days of the year when you can get up at 5am and go and drink booze if that is what you want to do.

“But you shouldn’t be doing it on ceremonial occasions in Albury like Anzac Day.”

Cr King, who is the council representative on the city’s liquor accord, said he had a fundamental objection to people drinking on the city’s streets during daylight hours.

But drinking at an Anzac Day dawn service was totally unwarranted.

“An alcohol free zone will make you come to the realisation what you are doing is embarrassing and certainly doesn’t show any respect,” he said.

“I’m not a wowser and do enjoy a beer, but there is a line you’ve got to draw.

“There is a time and a place.

“I’m surprised this wasn’t already in place and just can’t believe people would even contemplate bringing alcohol to such a significant event.”

A spokesman confirmed council will be considering grog free zones next month.

“The notice of motion from Cr King, if approved, will be added to the areas already under consideration for inclusion in the report to council,” he said.

Cr Graham Docksey, who is also the former president of the Albury RSL sub-branch, said he supported Cr King’s notice of motion “in principle”, but had concerns it could be interpreted as an over-reaction.

“It is the only time it has been brought to my attention about people misbehaving in that way,” he said.

“It needs to be discussed more with some community consultation perhaps.

“Then formally ask the RSL and police if there are issues.”