The bus stop outside Warringah Mall in Brookvale has been identified as the Northern Beaches’ most problematic street drinking location, with police responding to over 40 alcohol-related incidents, including assaults and property damage, since the start of 2023.
Community Concerns Over Public Drinking
Northern Beaches Council is considering extending or re-establishing 19 alcohol-free zones (AFZs) in response to rising concerns about public drinking and its impact on community safety. Documents presented to the council highlight several locations where street drinking is causing significant issues, with the Brookvale bus stop being of particular concern to local police.
The police commander, John Duncan, stated that maintaining the AFZ status at the Warringah Mall bus stop is crucial to preventing increased alcohol-related incidents and ensuring public safety. He added that removing the AFZ would strain law enforcement and negatively affect community well-being, given the area’s high public usage.
Other Problem Areas Identified
Other hotspots identified in the council’s assessment summary include the area near the ferry wharf at Church Point, where long-standing complaints of outdoor drinking and anti-social behaviour have been reported. Sections of Dee Why, including Oaks Avenue, Howard Avenue, The Strand, Pittwater Road, and areas around Walter Gors Park and the Dee Why B-line bus stop, are also experiencing problems with street drinkers.
Freshwater Reserve has also seen issues with street drinking over the past three years. Manly’s central business district and surrounding streets are noted for high levels of street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour. In Mona Vale, concerns about youths drinking near the Seabeach Gardens retirement village at night have been raised. The Wellington Street carpark, located on the banks of Narrabeen Lagoon, is also described as where street drinking is common.
Council’s Proposed Actions
The council plans to seek public feedback on the proposed re-establishment and extension of the AFZs, which, if approved, would remain in place for the next four years. These AFZs apply to public roads and carparks, separate from alcohol-prohibited areas covering parks, reserves, and beaches.
The council documents noted that police data shows that street drinkers have undermined the public use of some existing AFZs. The council aims to balance public access with community safety and well-being.
Published Date 26-March-2025
