Council considers alcohol ban in Randwick for holiday season

Eastern Beaches police and Randwick Council are again preparing to enforce controversial alcohol bans this festive season.

Alcohol free zone signs at Coogee Beach. Photo by Andrew Lee

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DESPITE delays from Randwick Council, Eastern Beaches police are preparing to again enforce controversial alcohol bans this festive season.

Councillors last week postponed making a decision on whether to enforce a citywide alcohol bans at all beaches and reserves over Christmas and New Year, requesting police provide a detailed strategy.

The alcohol bans were in effect at Coogee Beach last New Year’s Eve.

The bans were first put in place last year and had a mixed reaction from the community. Eastern Beaches police said that strategies were being developed to build on last year’s operation, focusing on Coogee and Maroubra beaches, La Perouse, Little Bay and Yarra Bay.

“We have been working closely with council and specialist police commands in the lead up to the summer to develop strategies designed at making the area safer through the prevention and disruption of crime and anti-social behaviour,” a police spokesman said.

Police have the power to enforce actions such as instructing drinkers to pour out their alcohol, give verbal warnings and issue fines. Picture: Adam Yip

“Those strategies include the enforcement of existing alcohol-free zones which has proved effective in recent years.”

While a final decision is not expected to be made until the December 11 council meeting, the council report did reveal the cost. According to a report to councillors, the cost to install temporary alcohol ban signs at all of the beachside parks and reserves will be approximately $20,000.

During the ban people caught drinking in the dry zones will be instructed to pour out their alcohol and a failure to comply with this request will result in a maximum penalty of a $2200 fine.

The alcohol bans, if endorsed by the council, will be in place until the end of January.