Extended alcohol ban sought for races
SOUTHERN police are seeking an extension to a temporary alcohol ban for what they say is one of Invercargill’s most ‘‘highrisk alcohol abuse events’’.
In a submission to the Invercargill City Council, Southland acting area commander Inspector Mike Bowman requested the ban surrounding Christmas at the Races, traditionally between the hours of 10am and 8pm, be extended by two hours.
A ‘‘no BYO’’ policy meant some people were drinking before the event, ‘‘right up to their admission on to the course’’, Insp Bowman said.
While most people abided by the conditions, a number tried to drink until they reached the entry point, and others tried to ‘‘smuggle’’ alcohol on to the course, he said.
‘‘. . . as the day progresses and intoxication levels rise, common sense seem to go out the window and disorder becomes an issue.’’
Event organiser Sean Bellew said the extension was due to an ‘‘afterparty’’ which was intended to attract around 1000 people.
An extended liquor licence had been granted for the event as a ‘‘reward’’ for running the event well in previous years, he said.
‘‘We’ve had an exemplary score card with the police and the Invercargill City Council . . . I got a gold medal for good service,’’ he said.
Extending the event would ‘‘ease pressure’’ on police and surrounding establishments as it would slow the ‘‘mass exodus’’ of people leaving after the final race, he said.
The event would have a strict alcohol management policy and a penalty card system would be used to ensure there was no overintoxication during the event, he said.
The police submission was attached to a report to be discussed at a full council meeting today.
About 6500 people were expected to attend the event on December 15.
The 10am to 10pm ban would cover the area from the intersection of St Andrew St and Racecourse Rd to the entrance of the Ascot Park Hotel, and from Racecourse Rd to Derwent St, on Yarrow St.