One of Melbourne’s most popular summer hotspots is considering a permanent alcohol ban along sections of its foreshore, after Christmas Day celebrations left some areas utterly trashed.
An estimated 5,000 punters had to be cleared by police from the St Kilda foreshore on the night of the 25th, leaving behind an astonishing 29 tonnes of rubbish and a clean-up bill of $18,000.
The City of Port Phillip had already instituted a ban on drinking in all public spaces from Boxing Day until January 4, but today chose to extend the ban in certain areas until February 15.
ABC reports that extension will only cover pockets from Marina Reserve to West Beach, including the area hardest hit by the Chrissy festivities.
St Kilda Mayor Bernadene Voss says the ban’s extension was implemented so the council could “fully evaluate” the impact of the Christmas Day mayhem.
In a statement, Voss said “we will be looking at factors such as volumes of broken glass and feedback from groups including residents, visitors, traders and police to help us decide whether an alcohol ban is useful.”
A decision on a permanent alcohol ban in those areas will be made on February 7.
A 27-year-old man was struck by a tram during the festivities, and a 27-year-old woman was treated for suspected alcohol poisoning. More others sought medical treatment after stepping on glass left behind by revellers.
