Would you like to support local journalism?

(with some quirky flair)

Regular News FEEDINGS via social + online. by locals for locals

HomeNewsCouncil Votes to Keep Drinks at The ‘Office’

Council Votes to Keep Drinks at The ‘Office’

Northern Beaches Council has rejected a bid to ban the consumption of alcohol 24/7 at Manly’s East Esplanade.

For a detailed explanation of the stoush, see our previous article

Cr Pat Daley and Cr Roslyn Harrison were the only councillors to vote in favour of the following motion: “That East Esplanade grass area be returned to a 24-hour alcohol free zone as it was previously. This is for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Cr Daley added: “This is a honey pot and it’s sending a message that drinking alcohol in public places is okay and it’s spreading, and I think it’s getting serious.”

But fellow Manly councillors Candy Bingham and Sarah Grattan argued the “office” drinks attracted a predominantly family crowd and was a tradition beloved by the community.

More than 5,000 people signed a petition against the proposed ban.

The debate highlighted confusion over what areas within the Northern Beaches do and do not permit alcohol, with a report now due back to council for clarification.

Support quality local news

Manly Observer is an experiment in providing non-sensationalist hyperlocal news on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. We cover the big news across the LGA, but with a hyper focus on the Manly electorate encompassing Balgowlah, Seaforth, Freshwater, Brookvale and Curl Curl up to Dee Why. It is run by those living in the community for the benefit of an informed community. We care about an informed and connected community. That’s it. Simple. Thank you for your support in keeping quality local news alive!

Kim Smee, Editor


Become a supporter

News