City of Sydney New Year's Eve producer Aneurin Coffey warns that the entire harbour foreshore has stricter alcohol limits in place from New Year's Eve to January 2 than ever before.

Of the 69 harbour fireworks vantage spots listed on the official Sydney New Year's Eve website, 17 allow the purchase of alcohol or have alcohol included with pre-purchased tickets to events in the public spaces. The remainder do not allow alcohol on the night.

"It's a no-go zone for bringing your own alcohol but there are plenty of vantage points that are licensed and there are plenty of licensed venues on the night," Mr Coffey said.

Low lighting, "beautiful infrastructure" and proximity to nearby residents are some of the key factors taken into consideration when designing the new rules, he said. He admits, however, that the restrictions have been triggered by a few "negatively boisterous" individuals who affect the enjoyment of many.

And while terminology can sometimes confuse - "alcohol free zones" affect roads and "alcohol prohibited areas" affect parks and open spaces - the rules are the same.