Port Phillip Council’s trial booze ban working, police say

A CONTROVERSIAL 24-hour street drinking ban brought in to quell alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour in Carlisle and Fitzroy streets is working, police say.

A CONTROVERSIAL 24-hour street drinking ban has worked to quell alcohol-fuelled violence in Port Phillip, police say.

Carlisle St Balaclava: Port Phillip Council petitioned to ban daytime street drinking

Carlisle St traders say more frontline police needed to curb escalating crime

Carlisle St, Balaclava a hotbed of anti-social drinking, say residents

The two-year trial ban, which came into effect last October, was put in place after more than 800 people along beleaguered Carlisle St signed a petition for a local law — which allowed street drinking between 9am and 8pm — to be scrapped.

A written agreement between police and the council meant police would urge offenders to tip out their drinks, rather than slap them with fines or arrest them.

Inspector Jason Kelly said the first year of the trial had netted “positive results”, including a reduction in complaints by traders and residents.

“We know this issue has been a concern for the local community and police been working closely with (the council) to prevent and minimise alcohol-related harm and address public order issues … to ensure every person can enjoy our public areas safely and responsibly,” he said.

Mayor Berndane Voss said an evaluation report would be considered at the end of the trial.

MORE NEWS

St Kilda Beach to get CCTV, in crackdown on crime and foreshore trashing

Balaclava neighbours fight Port Phillip council plan for Marlborough St public housing