Drinking ban rejected for Balaclava's Carlisle St

BALACLAVA'S daytime drinkers are free to swig their brew on Carlisle St, after council rejected a proposed ban.

BALACLAVA'S daytime drinkers are free to swig their brews on Carlisle St, after council rejected a proposed ban.

In a decision that split the chamber, Port Phillip Council last night voted against a six-month trial ban.

Councillor Jane Touzeau introduced the motion rejecting the ban, saying:

"We want our community to be a place that offers refuge for all."

The proposed ban arose out of a petition started by traders, and had police support.

But a majority of councillors were swayed by arguments it would hurt the suburb's most vulnerable.

Councillors Andrew Bond, Bernadene Voss and Vanessa Huxley voted in dissent.

Read more in next Tuesday's Port Phillip Leader.