Parents encouraged to understand their responsibilities before hosting a before or after ball party

As ball season continues, Wellington Police are encouraging parents and party hosts to be aware of their responsibilities if they host a before or after ball party.

Wellington Area Commander, Inspector Chris Bensemann, says school balls often come with before or after parties and Police want to ensure parents and host are fully aware of their responsibilities before agreeing to host such a party.

Mr Bensemann says there have been recent changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act that all party hosts need to be aware of.

“It is important that party organisers understand what the rules are.

The safest way to put it is if you are hosting a party you have to consider yourself as the duty manager of your home."

While alcohol can be supplied to young people under the purchase age there are conditions.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 allows for parents or guardians to supply alcohol to their own child or where express consent exists, then they may allow another person to supply alcohol to their child in a responsible manner.

If you are organising a before or after-ball party you must be aware of the responsibilities contained within the legislation and understand what constitutes ‘responsible manner’ when supplying alcohol.

If you’re hosting a before or after-ball party make sure you have actually spoken to the parents of all the young people you are supplying alcohol to and they have given their permission.

Have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks available and make sure everyone can get home safety. Most importantly actively supervise your party to ensure young people have a safe and positive experience.

“We want people to have a good time if celebrating their school ball, but we also want to ensure any such event is safe.”

During the ball season, last year a party organised by local college students, who were acting independently of their school, raised concerns for Police due to the high number of young people under the influence of alcohol, with over 50 requiring medical attention.

While alcohol was not available for sale at the ticketed event a number of party goers arrived at the event intoxicated and alcohol was also smuggled into the venue.

Police believe organisers and security staff should have been more active in managing the alcohol being brought into the event, taken greater responsibility for those turning up intoxicated and done more to minimise the risk of alcohol harm.

“At Police were are looking to prevent harm to young people and stop them getting into an unsafe situation due to alcohol,” says Mr Bensemann.

For parents and caregivers looking for further advice on alcohol visit www.alcohol.org.nz

ENDS

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