St Kilda foreshore booze ban: Police push for permanent restrictions
A PERMANENT booze ban would apply along St Kilda foreshore in a police-backed push to reclaim the beach for families.
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A PERMANENT booze ban would apply along St Kilda foreshore in a police-backed push to reclaim the beach for families.
The proposal, which Port Phillip Council will consider on Wednesday, comes after a wild Christmas Day party involving thousands of drunken revellers prompted the extension of new-year restrictions. They are due to expire on February 15.
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Victoria Police confirmed it would make a submission to the council in favour of making the existing alcohol ban permanent.
Port Phillip local area commander Insp Jason Kelly told the Sunday Herald Sun: “Local police have seen a decrease in alcohol-fuelled violence and public order issues in and around the foreshore area since the alcohol bans were extended on December 26.
“Port Phillip’s beaches, cafes and restaurants attract thousands of visitors a day.
“Police want to ensure every person can enjoy our public areas safely and responsibly.
“As always, police are asking everyone to reflect on their behaviour and how it might impact on the wider community.”
St Kilda Tourism and Events, which represents local businesses and residents, is leading community calls for a permanent ban, which would extend from St Kilda Marina to West Beach.
The permanent ban would be trialled for three years.
It would take in Catani Gardens, Marina Reserve and South Beach Reserve where almost 5000 revellers — most backpackers and visitors — left 29 tonnes of rubbish and broken glass on Christmas Day.
St Kilda Tourism and Events president Travis Atkins saidabuse of alcohol and associated violence was deterring visitors to the beach.
“We think it would promote less intimidation,’’ Mr Atkins said.
“Society has changed — unfortunately some small impingements on civil liberties are required.”
Similar restrictions had proved successful at key beaches elsewhere including Bondi, Coogee and Glenelg.
“There is a major array of beachside locations with high-profile beaches which do not allow alcohol,’’ Mr Atkins said.
“It‘s not just about intimidation — it’s also about litter, broken glass and weapons using glass.
“It makes it a better, safer place and encourages more families if alcohol is not there.”
Port Phillip mayor Bernadene Voss said a report on the trialled ban would be considered at the upcoming meeting.
“Our foreshore and public spaces are easily accessible and attractive locations for people to congregate in large numbers,” Cr Voss said.
“Sometimes the consumption of alcohol can contribute to safety and amenity issues.’’
The Christmas Day party left Port Phillip Council with a $23,000 clean-up bill.
St Kilda foreshore was also the scene of a wild brawl in December involving scores of youths who allegedly bashed and robbed tourists.
Public order, theft and road safety have been a focus of a summer police operation in the area.