Waverley Council draws a line in the sand about alcohol at beach events

Waverley Council this month voted to reject any application for commercial high-impact events that includes the service of alcohol on any of its beaches while a review of our Events Policy takes place.

The ban applies to Bondi Beach, Tamarama and Bronte beaches which are alcohol-free zones. The ban does not apply to ongoing approved events such as City2Surf, Sculpture by the Sea or Mardi Gras, which are not commercial in nature.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said community sentiment was vocal on the Council’s responsibility to ensure the sands of beach remains open and accessible to all in a demonstration of national principles of egalitarianism.

“Community interest in and strongly expressed resistance to the use of public beach space at Bondi for commercial purposes is well documented,” Mayor Masselos said.

“There’s just some event proposals for the sands of Bondi that just don’t pass the pub test.”

“Waverley is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in NSW and those businesses contribute to our local economy year-round.

“When we consulted with our community about making amendments to our Events Policy, there was a strong distaste to private commercial events on Bondi Beach, especially those featuring the service of alcohol or operation of a bar.

“Even with our current Events Policy, it is up to Council’s discretion to grant or withhold approval for event proposals, so this blanket prohibition while a review takes place draws a line in the sand.”

-ENDS-

Media inquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.