Australia Day booze ban: Port Philip Council cracks down on public drinking

Anyone who cracks a can at one of Melbourne’s busiest beaches on Australia Day is in for a nasty shock, with authorities on full alert.

Port Phillip Council has banned public drinking on the St Kilda Beachfront and throughout the municipality on Australia Day. Picture: File Images

Revellers face a $200 fine if they decide to crack a can on Australia Day in some of Melbourne’s most popular beachside suburbs.

Port Phillip Council is again banning the public consumption of alcohol throughout the entire municipality, including St Kilda, Elwood and South Melbourne, from 8pm on Wednesday to noon on Friday.

It is one of several extended bans the council has in place for occasions including the New Year’s period, the St Kilda Festival and the Australian F1 Grand Prix.

The council warned extra local laws officers would be on patrol supporting police to enforce the ban.

Along with a 24-hour ban on drinking booze in its streets, the council has a blanket year-round ban on alcohol consumption in parks and public spaces from 8pm until noon the next day, and anywhere along the St Kilda foreshore from November to March.

An alcohol ban will be in place throughout the city of Port Phillip, including St Kilda, for Australia Day. Picture: File Image

Mayor Heather Cunsolo said the council had been satisfied with the behaviour of foreshore visitors this summer while the alcohol ban was in place.

“We were extremely pleased to see the overwhelming majority of revellers enjoying

Christmas and New Year’s celebrations responsibly in our city,” she said.

“We’re urging everyone to again play their part for a successful summer.”

The council will also be keeping an eye on any gatherings at the St Kilda Botanic Gardens, with DJs and loud amplified music banned and staff urging visitors to stay out of the garden beds.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said it supported the council’s decision and would be monitoring visitor behaviour in key locations such as the St Kilda foreshore as part of its Operation Summersafe.

“Alcohol-related harm and the effects it has on the community is an ongoing focus for local police and we welcome any initiative that supports community safety,” the spokeswoman said.
“As part of Operation Summersafe, police will be heavily represented across foreshore locations, parklands, public transport hubs and entertainment districts.”