A proposal that public drinking be allowed in and around Knysna's beaches and public areas during the festive season has sparked an outcry from the community. Knysna municipal spokesman Christopher Bezuidenhout said yesterday that a recommendation was made during a Knysna mayoral committee meeting on October 15 to allow public drinking throughout the day in Green Hole, Bollard Bay, Kathy Park, Coney Glen, Buffalo Bay, Brenton-on-Sea and the Old Jetty in Sedgefield from December 23 to January 2 and from 6am to 10pm from January 3 to December 22.The motion was due to be passed last Thursday, but due to resistance from residents and other stakeholders a decision was made to obtain public input first."After the public participation process, which we hope to conclude by the end of November, council will make a final decision at the next meeting on December 10," Bezuidenhout said.Among those who have opposed the plans is the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Knsyna station.In a letter to Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans, station commander Mike Elliot said the NSRI opposed the proposal "in the interest of saving lives"."It has been proved by the City of Cape Town that by enforcing zero tolerance of alcohol consumption on beaches fatal drowning incidents are reduced."Because of efficient law enforcement there were zero drownings on Cape Town's beaches during the festive season last year," Elliot said."We hope that you will not allow drinking of alcohol on the beaches of Knysna, and trust that you will follow the City of Cape Town's example of zero tolerance of alcohol on beaches."..