An alcohol-free Bondi

Bondi Junction has been re-established as an alcohol-free zone for a further three years, but with newly-extended boundary modifications.

The new boundaries will extend to the streets and pavements surrounding Clementson Park and includes the three Grafton St car parks located below Sydney Enfield Dr between Grafton St and Edgecliff Rd.

Waverley Councillor Andrew Cusack welcomed the initiative and said it is Council’s aim to become more vigilant in its enforcement of the policy.

“I’ve had a few complaints from residents that people are drinking in Clementson Park, despite the fact that the signs are saying that you aren’t allowed to,” Mr Cusack said.

“Clementson Park is alcohol-free and will remain alcohol-free under the new plan.”

The move was made to minimise the occurrence of alcohol-related violence and incidents in Waverley.

Councillor Dominic Wy Kanak said it was important for Council to address the social causes behind alcohol-related incidents.

“The community see the need for the alcohol-free zone to be continued and perhaps increased. It is important as a community to look at … why people might turn to alcohol on a daily or regular basis,” he said.

The alcohol-free zone prohibits the consumption of alcohol at any time on roadways, paths and public car parks located in the zone.

Danielle Ecuyer from the Bondi Junction Precinct Committee said the policy was to address alcohol-related “disturbances” and anti-social behaviour by giving police the power to seize and empty any alcohol containers.

“Anything that is put in place which has the ability to lead to harm prevention measures for alcohol-related anti-social behaviour is good,” Ms Ecuyer said.

“Bondi Junction has been a long-standing alcohol hot spot, particularly in the summer months. It’s a good way of being able to enforce [the idea] that it’s not okay to drink in the open spaces.”

A 2009 Social Profile Report conducted by the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing found a total of 92 alcohol-related assaults occurred on licensed premises in the Waverley LGA, compared to 6702 incidents across NSW.

But over the last five years, property crime in the Waverley LGA has decreased by 9.9 per cent and incidents of violence have been reduced by 8.6 per cent, according to a March 2013 report by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

The new policy for an alcohol-free zone at Bondi is expected to be in place by November 30.