Alcohol Ban on Shoalhaven Reserves.

 A couple of weeks ago the Mayor of Shoalhaven dropped a mayoral minute on our laps at the beginning of a meeting asking for alcohol bans in 37 reserves across the Shoalhaven.

The ban was suggested as a 24 hour ban on Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, New Years Day and Australia Day, it was a hotly debated item that took well over an hour to discuss. I voted against this ban at this point for a variety of reasons.

Firstly we had been given no opportunity to discuss this issue prior to debating it. No data had been supplied to Councillors in regards to alcohol related incidents in the Shoalhaven. No community consultation had taken place to gauge the impact that such a ban would have on the community, and finally one that I feel strongly about- Civil Liberties- for it is my opinion that some of the regulations we live with are draconian and unnecessary. I was of the opinion that this was an increase in police power that was not required as police already have many powers to arrest those doing the wrong thing, move on large groups and confiscate alcohol.

Fast forward to Tuesday 8 December and we were back in the chamber to discuss the issue once again. this time it was a whole lot different to the previous fortnight. The local radio talkback had been in overdrive and their seemed to be a considerable amount of community support for the ban.

As the meeting commenced there were 12 uniformed police in the gallery- some obviously on duty as they had hand guns etc. These guys and girls had brought along a contingent of supporters.
The local commander was given the opportunity to speak and gave a video presentation of police footage from local riot days at Huskisson and some CCTV footage that was quite disturbing. The Councillors who had strongly supported the ban from the outset constructed an argument that basically framed any non supporters as not supporting police, a very difficult position to be in and intimidating.

The local command gave a commitment to turn a blind eye to any family groups enjoying a few quite drinks in the park and to use sense and discretion.
I found this to be a paradox-How could it be OK for one group of people to be drinking and another group alongside them in trouble with the law! Is booze banned or not!

After a long and passionate debate that included tears, accusation and the usual grandstanding style of some, a compromise position was reached.

This year a trial 24 hour alcohol ban will be in place across Shoalhaven reserves, results of the success or otherwise is to be reported back to Council, and police will continue to discuss reducing alcohol abuse in general.