Australia Day booze ban on the northern beaches

Alcohol bans will be extended to beachfront reserves on the northern beaches as part of a push against anti-social behaviour, but it has led to some criticism.

All beaches and beachside reserves will be have an alcohol ban on the northern beaches for Australia Day.

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A BAN on alcohol will expand to include parks and reserves for Saturday’s Australia Day celebrations.

The 24-hour public holiday drinking ban on all peninsula beaches will now apply to waterfront public green-space areas.

Bilarong Reserve on Narrabeen Lagoon is one of the spots where drinking won’t be allowed.

The extension, to be marked out with temporary signage, was approved by the council last November following a request made by Northern Beaches Police Area Command to include adjacent beach reserves.

The new restrictions, designed to improve public safety, have been criticised by Councillor Rory Amon.

“It places unnecessary restrictions on the 99.99 per cent of those who just want to exercise their right to have a picnic on Australia Day,” Cr Amon said.

Northern Beaches councillor Rory Amon. Picture: Adam Yip/ Manly Daily

“For whatever reason police want to restrict the freedoms of the overwhelming majority…it’s a complete overreach and not to mention un-Australian.”

The Narrabeen Liberal — the only councillor to oppose the temporary ban — said councillors were not provided with evidence or statistics supporting the effectiveness of blanket bans.

The ban is in addition to existing alcohol-prohibited areas in place for all roads, footpaths, car parks and laneways.

Acting Superintendent Danielle Emerton said temporary bans would improve public safety and reduce disruptive and anti-social behaviour.

Northern Beaches Council CEO Ray Brownlee at his Dee Why office. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily

Ms Emerton said police would target underage drinking on the day. She said the command would benefit from extra staff and resources on Saturday including horse-mounted officers, helicopters and licensing police.

“Our officers are aware of current legislation and their power in relation to confiscating and disposing alcohol,” she said.

Carrying penalties up to $2,200, people refusing to co-operate with police can be charged with obstruction.

Northern Beaches chief executive officer Ray Brownlee urged residents to obey signs and cooperate with police and rangers.

“We encourage the community to enjoy the many council events across the area and thank the hundreds of volunteers who make them possible.”