Media response - Port Noarlunga dry area extension

Published on 12 September 2023

Response to The Advertiser.

• We are just chasing this Noarlunga jetty booze ban. If the council would be able to supply a few lines? What prompted this ban? Were the council inundated with complaints? Has it been a long term issue? When can locals expect the ban to be enforced? Have SAPOL been supportive of the decision? Were other preventative measures put into place before the ban? e.g no booze after 7pm or something? Do council believe this will prohibit any anti-social activities?

Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were

One of our councillors moved a notice of motion in May for us to ask the community what they thought about the prospect of extending Port Noarlunga’s existing foreshore dry area to include the jetty and beneath the jetty. A dry area on the jetty would echo those already at other South Australian metropolitan jetties, including Brighton, Glenelg, Henley and Grange.

As with any public space where alcohol can be consumed, there have been incidents of anti-social and criminal activity, including vandalism, violent behaviour, theft and broken bottles. We heard some of these stories during our recent community engagement on this issue from people who have felt unsafe in the past due to those consuming excessive alcohol on and around the jetty.

There was strong support for the dry area extension during the community engagement process, with 71 per cent of respondents supporting it. South Australia Police are responsible for regulating dry areas and provided their support to council’s application.

After considering the community’s support, we’ve applied to the Liquor Licensing Commissioner through the Office of Consumer and Business Services to extend the dry area, so we’re now awaiting their decision. If approved, we’ll erect signage at the jetty and get the word out to the community.

Ultimately, this decision was made to reduce alcohol related antisocial behaviour in the area, ensuring everyone can safely enjoy a family friendly atmosphere and a fun day at the beach.

For those that do want to enjoy a drink responsibly, Port Noarlunga is blessed with a range of spectacular seaside pubs, cocktail bars, restaurants, pizzerias and more, so you really are spoilt for choice in the area.

ENDS