Melbourne residents gather to protest council's median strip drinking ban
A few dozen Melbourne residents gathered to fight a new council ban on drinking. They were backed by more than 7,707 counter-signatures.
A few dozen Melbourne residents gathered on Friday evening. They met on the Canning Street median strip in Carlton North.
They brought punch bowls, picnic blankets and chips. This broke the new council ban on drinking in the space.
The gathering was a public protest. The council had changed the rules for the wide median strips on Drummond, Rathdowne and Canning Streets.
This effectively banned alcohol. The ban followed complaints from neighbours about noise and rubbish.
Community response was swift. A counter-petition gathered more than 7,707 signatures in days.
This was far more than the original 29-signature complaint that caused the ban. Organisers and residents said the strip was a rare public space.
People could gather there outside work and home. This was especially important after Covid lockdowns.
The protest remained peaceful and orderly. Attendees described it as an act of civil disobedience.
- 29 signatures
- Original complaint
- 7,707 signatures
- Counter-petition
- Canning Street, Carlton North
- Location
- Friday evening
- Protest date
Why it mattersThe ban threatens a long-standing community tradition. It shows how public space is shrinking. Ordinary people have fewer places to gather freely.
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