Oscar winner leads beach booze backlash
A six-month experiment allowing beachgoers to bring their own alcohol to the Camp Cove Kiosk in Watsons Bay has won the backing of most Woollahra Municipal Council committee members, but the final call will be made later this month.
Camp Cove Beach, a small, sheltered spot in Watsons Bay, is known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere, particularly the section locals call 'Kiddie Corner,' where children learn to swim. Camp Cove residents, including George Miller, have pushed back against kiosk BYO alcohol plan. NewsWire handout Credit: NCA NewsWire
While alcohol consumption is already legal on the sand, it is not widely publicised. The six-month BYO trial at the kiosk ran from December 2024 to June 2025, drawing strong community support but also fierce opposition from residents concerned about safety, anti-social behaviour, and preserving the beach's tranquil character.
Council staff had recommended rejecting the plan after police and a handful of locals raised safety concerns, despite most submissions from Watsons Bay and Vaucluse residents endorsing the changes.
Out of 77 public submissions, 48 backed the move, 28 opposed it, and one was unsure.
Lawyer Adam Moxon Simpson, acting for Mr Miller and four other Camp Cove residents, urged Woollahra Council to reject the proposal, warning of 'alcohol risks in public spaces' and 'the absence of legislative tools to deal with issues.'
'There's a time and place for everything, but now is not the time for more alcohol on beaches and Kiddie Corner is not the place,' Mr Simpson said.
'It's a precious place for families.'
Kiosk operator Omer Farhy said the 35-seat venue's proposal was modest and would not change the beach's peaceful character or spark anti-social behaviour.
'I am not a drinker myself and do not support drunken behaviour,' he said
He added that he wanted to offer 'an elegant and relaxed' way to enjoy the beach with a 'sunset BYO drink.'
In submissions, supporters praised the arrangement for boosting the community atmosphere and encouraging social interaction, describing it as a perfect fit for the relaxed coastal vibe.
Many said there were no adverse incidents during the trial and that patrons acted responsibly.
'This absolutely should be allowed to go ahead,' one supporter wrote.
'Council should take a progressive stance on allowing people to BYO to the kiosk. I support this.' Liberal councillor Mary-Lou Jarvis warns BYO licence could 'get out of control' at Camp Cove. NewsWire Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia
Another likened the idea to popular overseas seaside spots.
'Australia has a positive culture for gathering together for food and sundowners. Neilson Park recent reopening with the ability to have a cocktail or beer felt very community and European in a positive way,' they said.
'A trial at Camp Cove is very welcome.'
Opponents were equally passionate, warning of safety hazards, environmental risks, and damage to the beach's family-friendly character.
'I have concerns about the mixing of alcohol, children, and swimming. If we can limit these interactions, then incidents can be avoided,' one opponent wrote.
'The kiosk currently and wisely does not serve anything in glass. Allowing people to bring glass bottles into an area with a concrete floor and where people are often barefoot is a mistake.'
Another said Australia had 'poor statistics' regarding the high consumption of alcohol and the behavioural and social problems it causes.
Police said they had no reports of anti-social behaviour during the trial but warned that promoting BYO could attract troublemakers, especially in summer, as the beach is not alcohol-free.
Liberal councillor Mary-Lou Jarvis, who pushed for a second trial, said the proposal had divided Watsons Bay's 'very close-knit community.'
'You've got to be careful for what you wish. By alerting the public to that fact, in 12 months' time we might find ourselves in a situation where this has gone out of control,' she said.
Despite advice from council officers, the majority of council voted to grant the Camp Cove Kiosk a 12-month licence to continue BYO alcohol, with restrictions including plastic cups and no drinking before noon.
The decision will go to a full council vote on August 25.
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