No booze, it's Australia Day

Police are warning Australia Day revellers to leave the booze at home during the City of Bunbury Australia Day Celebrations.

Bunbury police acting officer-in-charge, acting Sen. Sgt Laurie Stubbs, said anyone caught drinking alcohol will have it tipped out and could face an immediate $200 on-the-spot street drinking fine.

This year’s Australia Day celebrations will be the second year that police are enforcing the booze bans.

But it won’t just be young revellers who are banned from enjoying a drink, families who want to enjoy a glass of wine with food also won’t be allowed.

``It’s across the board,’’ Sen. Sgt Stubbs said.

``We can’t discriminate.

''If you’re seen with alcohol you will be asked to get rid of it.’’

Sen. Sgt Stubbs said in the past two years of alcohol bans, assaults and incidents that police have had to attend were relatively low.

He said in the last year that alcohol was allowed, there were more incidents, including fights.

``People don’t go to watch fights, they go to watch fireworks,’’ he said.

Sen. Sgt Stubbs conceded that a few people who have become intoxicated and caused fights have ruined it for the rest.

``We don’t like to be the party police, but some people have forced our hand.

``It’s a few people that have spoilt it for everyone else.’’

Sen. Sgt Stubbs has also reminded boaties that they faced a $1000 fine if they were caught driving under the influence.

Skippers were also reminded to be aware of exclusion zones.

Police will be kicking off patrols along the beaches in the early morning and checking eskies for alcohol.