They’ve survived tragedy, lockdown and more, but the state of Melbourne’s streets is pushing Pellegrini’s to breaking point

David Malaspina’s family has run Pellegrini’s on Bourke St since the 70s. They’ve seen a lot, but anti-social behaviour in the Melbourne CBD is pushing them to the limit.

Pellegrini owner David Malaspina said anti-social behaviour is a growing problem. Picture: David Geraghty

The owner of one of Melbourne’s most iconic cafes has called on Melbourne’s mayor to deliver a promised 30 “city safety officers” and have them patrolling before the autumn events season.

Pellegrini owner David Malaspina said anti-social behaviour was becoming an increasing problem in the north end of Bourke St, an area he wants targeted by the officers Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece pledged to introduce during his election campaign.

“Melbourne does such a great job with creating events and attractions to bring people into the city but we need to do better to ensure people have a great time when they are here,” Mr Malaspina said.

“We’ve had issues with people fighting in the street, throwing chairs and abusing customers all around this area.

“Victoria police do an incredible job but they can’t be everywhere and a lot of the problems we are having are for issues that don’t need a sworn police officer to sort out.”

Mr Malaspina said he was speaking for many other local traders in the north end of Bourke St that were all getting the same feedback. Picture: David Geraghty

Sisto was tragically killed in a terrorist attack on Bourke St in 2018. Picture: AAP Image

Mr Malaspina said he was speaking for many other local traders in the north end of Bourke St that were all getting the same feedback.

“All the traders here keep hearing the same things from their customers – particularly the visitors from overseas or interstate – they don’t feel safe at times here,” he said.

“The Lord Mayor promised these city safety officers. We need them here right now. Where are they?”

Mr Malaspina said having the officers patrolling the streets before the autumn major events season kicked off would be critical to delivering the best experience for visitors.

“We’ve got the Grand Prix about to start, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival – the CBD will be filled with people and we need to make sure they are made to feel as welcome and safe as possible,” he said.

Pellegrini’s, which Mr Malaspina’s father Sisto bought in the 1970s, has been a pioneer of Melbourne’s now-famous food and coffee scene.

Sisto was tragically killed in a terrorist attack on Bourke St in 2018.

Melbourne CBD traders are getting fed up with crime. Picture: David Crosling

A homeless person in the CBD. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Mr Reece in September promised 30 “city safety officers” — council workers who would wear stab-proof vests and patrol anti-social hotspots around the clock.

He declined to answer the Herald Sun’s questions around when the officers would start patrolling the streets.

“It’s pleasing that many city traders view the introduction of new city safety officers positively and I look forward to discussing this policy with my fellow councillors,” Mr Reece said.

Mr Malaspina said local traders wanted the extra support now, particularly as the City of Melbourne has announced a sale of a nearby carpark that will impact on their customers’ ability to easily find a park.

“When that car park goes and is redeveloped, our customers will lose access to hundreds of carparks – we need to make it easier to enjoy the city, not harder,” he said.

Mr Malaspina also raised concerns about the council selling off the car park too cheaply.