Sydney’s NYE Alcohol Restrictions Are As Laughable As They Are Unfair

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Sydney’s NYE Alcohol Restrictions Are As Laughable As They Are Unfair

Just when you were ready to boot off a big year with a drink in hand and a shiny array of flashing lights in front of you, the ever-party-pooping Sydney has gone and shat on the fun once again.

For the thousands of punters who will mosey down to the harbour’s side this NYE to set up camp and watch the fire works, there are only three places that will allow BYO alcohol. These three locations are Goat Island, Nielsen Park and Strickland, and guess what, they’re all ticketed events that are already sold out.

This tight grip over what grown-ass people can do on one of the biggest celebrations of the year really comes as no surprise after such a laughable year from the NSW Government, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated.

Thank god for house parties, right?

This news follows the recent call from Randwick Council to ban alcohol on Coogee beach for the duration of Summer following immense backlash from a christmas day rave that took place on the beach, resulting in partygoers all but destroying the spot with their litter.

That seems fair; but what doesn’t seem fair is red-zoning almost the entire Sydney harbour brim as a precaution. It’s new years eve. People want to drink booze and have fun. This sucks.

Miriam Webber of Fairfax threw it down perfectly in that the message they are sending with this is “if you can’t pay, you can’t play“. Meaning if you can’t afford to pay your way to drink at one of the three legal (and sold out) locations, then too bad for you.

This all comes as a stark reminder that the nanny state is alive and well.

To quote Webber once again, we tend to agree with what she had to say in her final paragraph. She writes:

“I’m all for confiscating alcohol if those consuming it are doing so in a reckless way as they enjoy New Year’s Eve in a public space. And of course I pity the poor police officers who have to work and deal with those who go too far, but once again over-policing won’t cause attitudes to change when it comes to alcohol consumption, nor will it endear young people to a government many feel has already snatched their nightlife from them.”

Here is hoping for a bright 2017, right? Happy new years, folks, and let us recommend you celebrate at a nightclub or house party to avoid the stale reality of these rank rules.

(Via SMH)

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