Society‘Free the Strip!’ Melburnians push back against picnic-spot drinking ban

Dozens of people held a peaceful picnic protest on Melbourne’s Canning Street after the council banned drinking on the median strip. Residents had raised concerns about noise, rubbish and unsafe behaviour, but a counter-petition gathered more than 7,707 signatures. A local councillor said an outright ban had gone too far and suggested the strip could be reclassified as open space in October.

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TThe Guardian★★☆☆☆2026-09-26 00:12Original