Holdfast Bay council to push ahead with consultation on Glenelg dry zone expansion

The local member told The Advertiser residents have complained about a rise in drunk and disorderly behaviour. Have your say in our poll.

DECEMBER 8, 2021: Jetty Road, Glenelg. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The Glenelg dry zone could soon include the popular Jetty Rd high street in an effort to curb “anti-social behaviour”, with the council pushing ahead on community consultation.

On Tuesday night, Holdfast Bay councillors voted to endorse a report that details next steps for pursuing the expansion.

If successful, police patrols would have the power to confiscate liquor being consumed outside of a licenced venue during a six-month period between Spring and Summer.

SA Police approached the council in October last year with the proposal, claiming it would “assist policing of alcohol-related problems and anti-social behaviour within the precinct”, according to the report.

Holdfast Bay council will now consult affected residents and businesses, as well as seeking the legally required support of the local member.

The report stressed there will be “no impact to retailers that may wish to have outdoor

dining facilities licensed”.

Nor will there be an impact on bottle shops, provided those purchasing alcohol do not open it in the prohibited area.

A map of the proposed expansion of the dry area. Picture: Holdfast Bay Council

Member for Morphett Stephen Patterson told The Advertiser the council already approached him earlier this year about the problems plaguing the street.

“In principle, I do support an extension of the dry zone to include Jetty Rd,” Mr Patterson said.

“There are increased community concerns about an escalation of anti-social behaviour in the area … There are Glenelg residents who come into see me who say they feel threatened.”

Mr Patterson said one resident told him she saw a man walking across Jetty Rd before stopping halfway to publicly urinate.

He also said constituents reported frequent assaults and shouting outside the local Coles supermarket.

Liberal Member for Morphett Stephen Patterson. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / Emma Brasier

“I think there’s broad support in the community to make Jetty Rd feel safe,” Mr Patterson said.

“The behaviour we’re witnessing is unacceptable, it’s one of our most popular seaside suburbs, and we don’t want people to feel unsafe.”

Councillor Bob Patton moved the original motion to expand the dry zone in February, telling The Advertiser locals have complained to him and other council members about drunk and disorderly behaviour.

“There are traders and residents who get troubled by this … it will go out to consultation and we’ll talk to the police,” Mr Patton said.

The report handed down to the council reveals that more than 1300 Holdfast Bay residents signed a petition supporting the expansion which was presented to state parliament earlier this year.

The expansion would include Jetty Rd to the tram stop east of Brighton Rd and surrounding areas bounded by Augusta St South to High St.

The Holdfast Bay council area has three long-term regulated dry areas in operation at Glenelg, Brighton and Seacliff.