Australia Alcohol Laws: Coogee Beach Bans Liquor After Christmas Party Results In 15 Tons Of Trash

Australians won’t be able to get their drink on at one beach in particular for summer after visitors left the pristine shoreline covered in trash on Christmas Day. As a result, in officials declaring an immediate ban of alcohol at Coogee Beach. More than 10,000 people left the beach covered in 15 tons of trash including alcohol bottles, cans and cigarette boxes, according to reports.

Randwick’s City Council announced the ban Monday, explaining that alcohol would not be allowed at Coogee Beach or surrounding beachside parks during the summer season, which is from December through February.

Randwick’s Mayor Noel D’Souza said in a statement he was disappointed in beachgoers for not taking better care of public property.

“The poor and inappropriate behavior of a few on Christmas Day have forced Council to introduce a total alcohol ban for the area for summer.,” D’Souza said. “The public outrage to the devastation of the parks and beach itself on Christmas Day has been quite phenomenal. The clear message we’ve received is that we need to give the beach and nearby parks back to all people to enjoy peacefully and safely. It is disappointing we have to take such a strong stance, but we need to reassure the community that they can feel safe when visiting and enjoying the jewel in the crown of Randwick City, Coogee Beach.”

The ban will take effect at Coogee Beach and all nearby reserves and parks as of Thursday until the end of Australia’s summer.

The complete ban on alcohol came following alcohol restrictions at Dunningham and Goldstein Reserves issued by city council just a few weeks before Christmas. The restrictions prevented adults from having open alcohol at the beach and surrounding parks between 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related incidents at the beach.

Earlier in the year, beaches near Melbourne also issued alcohol bans. Drinking curfews were put in place at St. Kilda and Port Melbourne beaches, as well as parks around the City of Port Phillip back in January. Initially, people were able to consume alcohol at the beach until 8 p.m. However, to reduce the chances of trash being left behind and alcohol-related accidents, the city changed the curfew to start at 5 p.m. instead.