Manly: Councillors reignite booze battle at East Esplanade Reserve
The drinking rules have been relaxed at a popular park where people go to watch the sunset. But the move has caused outrage by some who want a total booze ban. What do you think?
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A battle over whether to allow people to have a drink at a popular Manly harbourside reserve while watching the sunset has started up once again.
East Esplanade Reserve – also known as ‘The Office’ by locals – has become the must-go BYO spot to watch the sunset and get an 'Insta' worthy photo in Manly.
Last year drinking was allowed from 8am to 8pm, which worked well according to Cr Candy Bingham.
However, during COVID the area was made into a 24/7 alcohol free to discourage crowds.
But in the last few weeks people have been blatantly ignoring the no alcohol signs.
So, last Friday the pre-COVID rules were introduced, because it was unrealistic for police and council rangers to manage a complete ban with the warmer weather arriving, according to Cr Bingham.
“Last year it worked extremely well,” she said.
“It was mainly locals and most wanted to go down there for the sunset.
“If anyone is misbehaving then the rangers have the authority to move them on.
“They can confiscate alcohol.
“If there’s large groups becoming an issue they contact the police.”
Cr Bingham also said it was a nice place for families to go for a picnic and have a glass of wine.
However, in the same week the rules were changed, Cr Pat Daley put in a motion to council to make the reserve a 24/7 alcohol free zone for the remainder of the pandemic, after claims that hundreds of people have been turning up recently and not social distancing.
He told the Manly Daily the area has become an unmanageable beer garden and there are health concerns associated with people drinking in large groups during a pandemic.
“East Esplanade which is next to Manly Wharf is supposed to be the gateway to Manly,” Cr Daley said.
“Due to the deteriorating uncontrolled alcohol situation in the area it has become a national disgrace.
“To help the police and council rangers do their duty the area needs to be returned to a 24 hour alcohol free area as soon as possible.”
Nearby residents are in agreement with Cr Daley.
They have long complained to the council and the Manly Daily about drinkers partying in front of their homes, inebriated revellers using their front yards as toilets and litter left behind.
Ray Mathieson from Manly Community Forum said people start drinking at lunch time.
He said the council needed to take a harder stance, especially during COVID and called for a total booze ban for East Esplanade.
“Not to do so is to invite COVID-19 into the area and to jeopardise all that we in NSW have worked so hard to achieve,” he wrote in an email.
“We are living in very different times from 2019.”
Last week, Northern Beaches Council CEO, Ray Brownlee said East Esplanade Reserve is a very popular location for locals and visitors.
“Our aim is to ensure it is available for people to enjoy without causing undue impact on the surrounding residents,” he said.
Police requested members of the public comply with requests from police and council rangers.
The future of East Esplanade will be discussed at the next council meeting.