Beach Yoga Faces Group Limit in New Policy

A proposed trading policy by the Town of Mosman Park could significantly impact outdoor fitness classes by capping group sizes at 30 participants. Amy Nicholls, who leads popular sunrise yoga sessions at Mosman Beach with attendance sometimes exceeding 200 people, expressed concern that this limit would hinder community growth and negatively affect her business and the adjacent Beach Bus café.

The draft policy, currently open for public comment until August 6, aims to simplify trading regulations in public spaces while ensuring community amenity is preserved. Groups of 10 or fewer participants would be exempt from permit requirements. Town of Mosman Park Mayor Paul Shaw stated that larger groups would need an event permit to ensure safe and fair management of shared spaces, emphasizing it's about balancing usage, not discouraging activity.

Nicholls believes the 30-person cap is an arbitrary number that doesn't reflect the beach's capacity or the community nature of her classes. She highlighted the symbiotic relationship between her yoga sessions and the Beach Bus, underscoring that limiting her class size would also impact the local business. The Beach Bus social media post supported Nicholls, advocating for behavior management over arbitrary number caps.

The Town encourages public input on the draft policy, which seeks to provide clarity and consistency for traders and residents. The consultation period provides an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions on how public spaces are activated and managed.