Community
6 December, 2024
Alcohol ban in CBD
WARRNAMBOOL City councillors have voted in favour of an alcohol consumption ban in the CBD.
At Monday night’s council meeting, a motion to give police the power to enforce a liquor consumption ban in the CBD was unanimously supported by councillors.
Under a plan to curb anti-social behaviour, which according to mayor Cr Ben Blain had reached “endemic levels,” the alcohol ban will apply to the entire CBD.
The motion now gives police the power to enforce the ban.
Consumption of alcohol will be banned at all times in the area bounded by Henna Street, Raglan Parade, Banyan and Merri streets as well as at Cannon Hill, Swan Reserve, and the adjoining car park at KFC.
“After discussions between council officers and local police it was recommended that council declare the CBD, Cannon Hill and the Swan Reserve areas liquor-free areas and to authorise Vic Police to enforce these local laws,” Cr Blain said.
“While this (new ban) is certainly not a quick fix to the problem it’s certainly a step in the right direction.”
Cr Blain said the escalating number of reports of anti-social behaviour in the CBD was certainly cause for concern and something that needed to be addressed immediately.
“In recent times, shop owners have reported a spike in shoplifting and abusive behaviour towards staff and that’s not on – staff deserve to feel safe in their workplace and shoppers need to feel safe in our CBD.
“This (anti-social) behaviour is something we haven’t seen in Warrnambool ever and it needs to stop.”
Cr Blain added that while not all incidents of anti-social behaviour were alcohol related, the new power would help police address the issue.
It is anticipated that signage will be erected by the end of this month.
