Dry ‘Crate Day’ likely

THE Crate Day public booze ban in Queenstown looks likely to become permanent.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council will next week be asked to adopt a new Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw, formalising a temporary alcohol ban for the Queenstown CBD on ‘‘Crate Day’’, held on the first Saturday of December.

If adopted, it would also increase the hours of alcohol restrictions.

Council regulatory manager Lee Webster said the bylaw reflected the views of 41 submitters, including the police and Southern District Health Board.

‘‘We believe these restrictions will create an environment that feels safer for everyone to enjoy and will encourage people to either drink at home or in licensed premises . . . ’’

If adopted, the bylaw would mean an alcohol ban in and around the Queenstown CBD from 8pm to 8pm daily over ChristmasNew Year and for the 24 hours of Crate Day.