As the City of Mandurah prepares for Brew Fest, Peel's only beer festival, Mandurah police are putting in safeguards to ensure the community has a weekend which is equal parts fun and safe.
Mandurah's officer in charge Senior Sergeant Neville Beard said the event would be a great night out as long as everyone played their part in keeping each other safe.
"We are preparing to have a presence in the Mandurah area for Brew Fest," he said.
"We certainly support the local community with local events, but we also have a responsibility to ensure they are safe for everyone.
"We will be out in force over that weekend to make sure that people are drinking responsibly and not letting alcohol and poor drinking choices ruin a good night out."
Snr Sgt Beard also warned the public should be aware of laws surrounding alcohol consumption outside of licensed premises.
"Police will take enforcement action for things like street drinking - many people in the community don't realise it is an offence to consume alcohol in the street (unless it is in an area that is provided a temporary licence by the Director of Licencing ie Brew Fest).
We don't want to be the party police - we would just like people to behave responsibly, consider others and enjoy their night out.
- Senior Sergeant Neville Beard
"Drinking in the street also includes consuming alcohol whilst travelling in a vehicle or on a party bus for instance and police can issue a $200 fine.
"Street Drinking is also an arrestable offence depending on certain circumstances, so it is advisable to consume alcohol safely either at home or in a licenced area."
To add an extra layer of safety to the Brew Fest weekend, there will also be random breath testing and other drink driving enforcements in place.
"There may even be a booze bus in the area," Snr Sgt Beard said.
"So take care on the roads and if you are drinking make sure you have a skipper."
He added that the police were in full support of community fun throughout the summer months, but the increased presence will ensure families can feel safe being out during event season.
"There will be a blueprint for police action in and around the Mandurah CBD over the coming summer months with enforcement action when we identify offences.
"We don't want to be the party police - we would just like people to behave responsibly, consider others and enjoy their night out.
"We will also be working with the local licenced premises through the Mandurah Liquor Accord to manage alcohol related harm and provide a safe community for everyone."
The Brew Fest event will begin on Friday, October 15 and finish on Sunday, October 17.
Both the Bridge Garden Bar and the Brighton Hotel will host the weekend, which will begin with 'Frothy Friday Night' and conclude with 'Family Sunday Fun Day'.
For more event information or to purchase tickets, visit the City of Mandurah website.
Samantha Ferguson
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
