SYDNEY, (AFP) - Sinking a few "tinnies" on Bondi Beach has long ranked alongside Santa's sleigh and roast turkey as an enduring image of Christmas down-under as well as being one of Australia's great drawcards for backpackers.

For as long as most people can remember, littering, fights, inebriation, amorous adventures with the "Bondi babes" and Union Jacks standing to attention among thousands of lobster red visitors were all accepted with good humour as life was meant to be on Australia's most famous beach at Christmas.

But no longer, if the local authorities have their way, because last year it all went too far.

Backpackers and Brits bemoan Xmas booze ban at Bondi continued...