Beaches alcohol free again this summer

Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches will be alcohol free zones this summer for the ninth year.

Nearby parks and streets are also alcohol-free zones and will be strictly enforced by NSW Police and council rangers as part of an annual safety campaign.  The no smoking policy on the beach will also be enforced.

The My Bondi Summer campaign has proved very popular with its great line up of Christmas, New Year and Australia Day events. It has also greatly helped reduce problems associated with alcohol and large crowds during the festive season.

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said the initiative was developed to allow people to party safely without unreasonably disrupting others.

“Summer is time to have fun. Our beaches and parks are popular with people of all ages and we want to make sure our kids and families have a safe, pleasant and enjoyable time as well. We don’t want alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour to spoil anyone’s day. If you do want a drink we encourage you to go to a nearby licensed venue or event,” she said.

This year’s campaign is also about antilittering and keeping the area looking its best. “Hopefully residents and visitors will do their bit by disposing of their rubbish and not leaving it on the beach” the mayor said.

Council is putting on extra cleaning crews to clean the beaches, parks and town centres, and installing water stations and handing out free reusable water bottles. There are new recycling bins along the Bondi promenade and park and up to 100 bins in Bondi Beach alone.

Waverley Lifeguard Dean Gladstone reminded everyone that swimming while affected by alcohol was dangerous.

“Anyone who thinks they have all their faculties after a few drinks and can swim should have another think,” he said.

“If you’re drinking, you shouldn’t be swimming. It’s all very well to think you’re okay until you have to swim back to shore against a rip.”