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Palazzo Versaces Martha Passos. The Versace is one of many companies that will benefit from being able to offer a service on the beach. Source: News Limited

GOLD Coast residents have backed calls to allow food, drinks and entertainment businesses to trade on the citys famous beaches but they have less than two days left to let the council know.

In an independent poll of 1217 residents, two thirds of those surveyed supported greater commercial access to parts of the Coasts 52km sandy strip.

WAVE OF SUPPORT FOR TRADING ON GOLD COAST BEACHES

The poll comes as Gold Coast City Council nears the end of a 24-day consultation on its Commercial Activities on Ocean Beaches Management Plan, which seeks to define the way business on beaches between Jumpinpin and Point Danger is managed.

Asked if they supported allowing commercial operations like food and beverage service and entertainment on certain designated Gold Coast beaches, 63.3 per cent of respondents to the ReachTel poll said yes, 25.8 per cent said no and 10.9 per cent were undecided.

The idea gained particular traction with locals aged 18-34, with 77.1 per cent supportive, while there was less emphatic backing from over-65s, although a majority (48.1 per cent) did support the principle.

Beach commercialisation falls under the councils Community and Cultural Development Committee.

Committee chairman Bob La Castra said his personal view on expanding commercial use of beaches was a clear no.

Im against any commercial activities on the beaches the position of the council has always been that way, although this council is more open to it and that concerns me, he said.

Originally posted here:
Fancy a drink at your beach towel?