St Kilda's council has made a "difficult" and "controversial" call to extend alcohol bans as police ramp-up efforts to keep the public safe during the festive season following a series of violent brawls and robberies on the foreshore.

The City of Port Phillip has extended its foreshore booze ban by six days this summer, with the alcohol-free period running from Boxing Day through January 4 next year.

Acting-Mayor Dick Gross said extending the ban in an area known for its relaxed attitude towards a beach-side sundowner was not one the council took lightly.

“Across the nation, beaches ban alcohol [but] ... there is a different tradition on Port Phillip,” Councillor Gross said.

“It is difficult because people with no malicious intent want to spend Christmas on the beach and drink, that’s a legitimate expectation.”