Alcohol sales at school fundraiser defended after fight
A fight at a comedy night fundraiser for a wealthy Auckland school has been condemned, with the principal saying both the school and its surrounding community should be safe from violence.
But ‘‘it would be a shame’’ if alcohol could not be sold at such events, the principal added.
Police were called and people were injured in an altercation at Balmoral School’s Standup Comedy Show on August 27, organised by the school’s parent teacher association and The Classic comedy club. The R-18 event featured top New Zealand comedians – including Guy Williams, Guy Montgomery and Angela Dravid – plus bar service and food.
School principal Malcolm Milner told Stuff the school does not condone violence in any way and the incident is now in the hands of the police. He did not witness the fight, as it happened after he and staff left about 10pm, when the comedians finished.
The incident between attendees took place at the end of the event, as organisers were starting to pack up, PTA spokesperson Anna Morton said.
The incident did not involve any members of the school staff, or the PTA. The annual comedy fundraiser had run for the past six years without incident, and the PTA was confident it had the right processes and protocols in place, Morton said.
While all involved were saddened by the incident, Milner said it would be tragic if it stopped alcohol being sold at similar school fundraisers.
‘‘It would be a shame, as a society, if we cannot allow responsible alcohol use in community events. We want people to behave in a manner that’s appropriate and respectful.’’
Milner said the event was strict on alcohol sales – with just one bottle of wine allowed per table – and it was a family event enjoyed by his 86-year-old mother-in-law.
Police were called to the event about 11.20pm and while a witness gave a report, police had been unable to contact the victim, a police spokesperson told Stuff.
‘‘Police have made several attempts to contact the victim involved; however, at this stage no further interactions have been had with police, which means there have not been any arrests or charges laid.’’