Free the Strip! Melburnians fight back against outlawing of much-loved picnic spot

A council ban on drinking on the median strip in Canning Street, Carlton, sparks a peaceful protest featuring punch bowls, chips and laughterGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIt looked like a typical spring evening on Melbourne’s Canning Street when a few dozen picnickers gathered on the grassy median strip on Friday, with drinks in hand.People in one group who’d come with a full al fresco setting chattered as they ladled punch out of a glass bowl on a wooden table, set