By CASEY NEILL
DRINKING alcohol in central Springvale could now attract a $1000 fine.
City of Greater Dandenong last week expanded its No Drinking Alcohol in Public Places to include the suburb.
A local law prohibits the possession of an open container of alcohol in a public area.
There’ll be new signage, footpath stencils, an education campaign and an enforcement operation.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said the central Springvale shopping precinct, parks and car parks and the Athol Road Shopping Centre would be the focus.
“We have spoken to a number of the liquor retailers in the area and they are happy to display posters and other material.”
Cr Memeti said the program had reduced drinking in public and increased public perceptions of safety in Noble Park and Dandenong.
Springvale Senior Sergeant Pam Hawker said police would start with education then move into enforcement.
“It’s about educating the people about where they can and can’t drink, rather than being too hard on them initially,” she said.
