Boozers from SkyCity apprehended

SkyCity has millions of gamblers, diners and drinkers through its doors each year – but more than a few also go on to cause trouble.

The entertainment complex, which includes multiple bars, restaurants, a casino, two hotels and a convention centre, appears on a police list of Auckland bars whose drinkers have been apprehended for alcohol-related problems.

Police say 25 people were picked up for drunkenness or drink-driving offences last year, after drinking too much at SkyCity.

The figures were released under the Official Information Act. They identify SkyCity as near the top of a long list of nearly 1200 licensed premises around New Zealand whose patrons have consumed their last drink at the bar then been apprehended, often arrested and charged, for offences including drinkdriving, drunken violence and disorder.

Police would say only that they work with SkyCity just like many other bars in the city. They were also quick to clarify that the figures did not take into account any previous bars people had drank at or people who lied.

SkyCity itself declined an interview request and refused to answer questions about what conditions, if any, regarding alcohol service were attached to their gambling licence.

In a statement, acting general manager Matthew Ballesty said the complex received about five million visitors each year and was the busiest entertainment establishment in Auckland. ‘‘We have robust practices in place around the responsible service of alcohol on our premises, including providing extensive training for our staff, and we have an excellent relationship with the licensing bodies including police and Auckland Council.’’

A Department of Internal Affairs spokesman said if the ‘‘primary activity’’ of a venue with gaming machines relied on a liquor licence and that was removed, the machines could not be used.

SkyCity had comprehensive licence conditions to meet and was required to have host responsibility programmes in place.

If a licence was breached it could be suspended or removed, but SkyCity had a plan in place including a dedicated section on ‘‘service of alcohol’’, he said.