A Sydney council has enforced a summer-long alcohol ban on one of the city’s most popular beaches as a result of “the poor and inappropriate behaviour of a few” on Christmas Day.
Coogee beach – a popular destination for backpackers, including many from the UK, on Christmas Day – was left strewn with a reported 15 tonnes of garbage by an estimated 10,000 revellers.
An immediate alcohol ban across Coogee after revellers trash the beach on Christmas Day. #9NewsAt6 pic.twitter.com/Odj9YLI3ep
— Georgie Gardner (@GeorgieG) December 27, 2016
Randwick city council announced the total alcohol ban for Coogee beach and all nearby parks and reserves on Tuesday after consulting with New South Wales police. It will take effect on Thursday and last into the new year, until the end of the summer.
Noel D’Souza, the mayor of Randwick, said in a statement that there had been “phenomenal” public outrage to the “devastation” of the Coogee area.
“The poor and inappropriate behaviour of a few on Christmas Day have forced council to introduce a total alcohol ban for the area for summer,” he said. “The clear message we’ve received is that we need to give the beach and nearby parks back to all people to enjoy peacefully and safely.
“It is disappointing we have to take such a strong stance but we need to reassure the community that they can feel safe when visiting and enjoying the jewel in the crown of Randwick city, Coogee beach.”
Alison Garratt, a Coogee local, had posted on Randwick city council’s Facebook page on Monday to complain about the ongoing issue of backpackers “taking over and destroying our environment”.
“Locals cannot enjoy the beach, can’t take our kids for a walk without dodging drunks. It’s become unpleasant, dirty and dangerous. Please support the locals and stop this happening on our beautiful beach.”
Before and after backpacker Christmas on Coogee beach. pic.twitter.com/IKxmhpell4
— Brianna Parkins (@parkinsbrea) December 25, 2016
The council attributed the chaos to “visitors to the area”, with many on social media blaming backpackers.
Charlie Gregory, who states his home town on Facebook is Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, posted a video showing revellers – many wearing Santa hats – packed into the waterside Goldstein reserve.
The Christmas Day party quickly escalated on Sunday afternoon, with lifeguards and council workers unable to enforce even the existing ban on alcohol consumption outside of midday to 4pm, imposed earlier in December.
Many other beaches in Sydney, including Bondi, have already instituted alcohol bans, which may have contributed to the number of people travelling to Coogee beach for the day, along with the sunny 29C weather.
The Daily Telegraph reported that lifeguards left the area at about 7.30pm on Sunday due to concerns for their safety. NSW police said three people were arrested for antisocial behaviour but that they were “generally pleased with the behaviour”.
Despite the alcohol ban, Coogee beach is expected to be a draw a large crowd for New Year’s Eve festivities, with Randwick council hosting its annual fireworks event.
