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.
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This comment came via email so sharing it with all-
Many Thanks for the info. I'm not a blogger so don't have much of a clue about the mechanics. However I've attached some thoughts on alcohol bans here below:
Alcohol bans in public places
In principle, I am against the awarding of more arbitrary power to enforcement agencies. Existing law if enforced should cover most issues.
To discriminate betwee the "young" and "family" or "older" groups is inherently wrong, leads to social division and provokes ill feeling. As a 24 yo, I have been asked to "move on" by the bulls in Kings Cross when we were singing at 9 pm to celebrate the New Year of 1972. I resented it strongly as we were doing no harm and it was supposed to be a festive occasion. Moreover none of us was drinking. It was just an exercise in "NSW police power" at the time of the Vietnam War.
What is needed is control of antisocial behaviour. Like the drunks at holiday time who keep trashing our boat ramp site at Kioloa and probably many other similar beautiful places. Blanket banning of alcohol won't stop this behaviour, because there is no official presence in these places. Yes, the drunks in this case are typically between 16 and 20 yo and a minority. Others of similar age come down for a quiet beer by the water, tidy up and go home peacefully. It takes all types.
Perhaps, as a different issue, we need to increase the drinking age to 21 or 25? At this stage the brain is better developed and more self control is exercised. Mind you there are some pretty horrible middle aged drunks too!
Just a few shots from a grumpy old man.
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