Melburnians protest council ban on drinking at Canning Street median strip
A few dozen people gathered on Melbourne’s Canning Street median strip on Friday in a peaceful protest against a council ban on drinking there. Participants brought picnic blankets, food and an outdoor table, while one group served punch from a glass bowl during the gathering in Carlton.
A few dozen picnickers gathered on the grassy median strip in Melbourne’s Canning Street on Friday to protest a council ban on drinking at the site.
The peaceful gathering in Carlton included picnic blankets, bags of chips and an al fresco table setting with a tablecloth and flowers. One group served punch from a glass bowl.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What evidence did the council use to justify the ban on drinking at the median strip?
Which residents and community groups were consulted before the ban was introduced?
How might the restriction affect people who use the median strip for social gatherings without alcohol?
What alternative arrangements, if any, are available for people who want to gather there?
YOUR QUESTION
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · AUGUST 2026