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The ban on consuming and possessing alcohol at popular public places in Mornington has been extended to local beaches and the Civic reserve precinct and skate park after early summer drunkenness caused concerns for local residents at Mills Beach.
Local Federal MP Bruce Billson raised resident concerns in Parliament late last year after groups of beachgoers consuming alcohol caused local families to abandon their day at the beach after being the victims of abusive and offensive anti social behaviour.
Mr Billson urged Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to extend the coverage of its Liquor Local Law to include Mills Beach and other coastal areas in response to some disturbing trends of drunken and appalling behaviour making it very unpleasant for families to enjoy Mornington’s great beaches and recreational areas. Local police echoed Mr Billson’s concerns.
Council adopted amendments to the Liquor Local Law to give police the discretion to issue on-the-spot fines of up to $1,000 and the power to confiscate alcohol at Mills Beach, Fisherman Beach, Mothers Beach, Scout Beach, Shire Hall Beach and the Dunns Road skate park and adjacent areas.
“I congratulate the Council, local police and residents on taking action to address what could have been the scourge of summer for many beachgoers”, Mr Billson said.
“Beaches are fun and family places and should be available for all to peacefully enjoy without being subjected to unpleasant, intimidating and anti social behaviour from a selfish few.
“The extension of Council’s existing local law that has worked well in other popular public places like Mornington Park is a practical and common sense response to worrying behaviour involving the consumption of alcohol at local beaches earlier in the summer”, Mr Billson said
Mr Billson added that the Liquor Local Law amendment and thoughtful enforcement should ensure that the overwhelming majority of beachgoers who are mindful of the impacts of their actions on others and simply want to enjoy our area’s beautiful coast line are not disadvantaged or placed at risk by the few who don’t.
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Your Federal Member for Dunkley
