A popular Melbourne drinking spot has been forced to change after complaints from nearby residents. The grassy median outside the Wine Corner Store in Carlton North has long been a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. On warm days, people would buy wine from the store and sit outside with friends.
The relaxed gathering became part of the local culture. However, that tradition has now been stopped. Yarra Council has confirmed that drinking alcohol on the Canning Street median is not allowed under local laws.
The council said it had received complaints for several years. Residents raised concerns about noise, rubbish and unsafe behaviour linked to people drinking alcohol on the strip.
Council staff sought legal advice about the status of the area. They were told that the median is legally considered part of the road. As a result, alcohol cannot be consumed there.
The council has informed the Wine Corner Store and Victoria Police about the decision. It said its focus would be on safety and the impact on nearby residents. It also said people who drink responsibly would not be its main target.
The decision has caused a strong reaction among customers and local residents. The Wine Corner Store posted about the change on social media. It blamed what it described as a small number of unhappy neighbours for repeatedly complaining to the council.
The store said people could still sit on the grass, lie in the sun or play sport there. However, they could no longer drink alcohol.
Customers can still purchase takeaway drinks from the store and take them to nearby parks. Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly said he had received messages from several people about the situation. He said he was working with the store owner, local residents and the ward councillor to find a solution.
The mayor also said public green spaces should remain available for everyone. At the same time, he acknowledged that residents should be protected from disruptive behaviour.
Many people online have criticised the decision. Some argued that the complaints of a small group should not affect a popular community gathering place. Others questioned why there had been no wider community consultation.
The store’s owner, Steven Mifsud-Ellul, also acknowledged that some customers had behaved badly. He said a few people had mistreated staff and caused problems for their neighbours. He said he had worked with police and made changes to address the issues. Despite those efforts, some residents remained unhappy. The future of the much-loved Canning Street gathering spot is now uncertain.
