A proposal to ban alcohol from Edinburgh Gardens, in inner Melbourne, has been dismissed by the local council.
Yarra Council last night unanimously voted down the plan that would have seen alcohol banned in the park until February.
The Mayor of the Greens-majority council, Gabrielle de Vietri, said in a statement that the council wanted to make sure park-goers could continue to have fun in the park, but minimise the impact on surrounding residents.
"It's wonderful to see people enjoying our great parks and gardens," she said.
"They've been a real antidote to the limitations of 2020 and have allowed people to meet with friends and family, get some fresh air and exercise.
"We ask that park-goers take their rubbish with them if bins are full, respect the neighbours when leaving and, of course, please use the toilets provided."
Under the current laws, Edinburgh Gardens is listed as a prescribed place, allowing for the public drinking of alcohol between 9:00am and 9:00pm.
The ban was proposed following complaints from locals about excessive drinking in the park, rubbish and laneways being used as toilets.
Up to 4,000 people were gathering in the park some nights, putting a strain on facilities.
In response, the council said it had increased the amount of cleaning at the park, and installed temporary toilets.
