"Host safe and responsible parties this summer"

Wellington Police and regulatory agencies are reminding hosts to encourage safe and responsible parties this festive season.

With less than two weeks until Christmas, there are currently a lot of events on to celebrate the Christmas and the New Year period.

“We don’t want to stop people celebrating – we just want them to do so safely” said Senior Sergeant Scott Dunn of the Wellington Alcohol Harm Reduction Team.

"A lot of small clubs, in particular, host these Christmas and New Year functions, or are hired out to host such events.

Often these clubs may offer cheap or subsidised drinks meaning the likelihood of excessive and irresponsible drinking can increase.

As the host venue, it is the club’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the law and make sure that party-goers are drinking responsibly – it’s the perfect time to remind yourself of your obligations under the law and to be vigilant around the safe consumption of alcohol at your premises," said Senior Sergeant Scott Dunn.

“We want to advise club presidents and managers to refresh their knowledge with regards to who can actually drink in their premises as club alcohol licenses differ from regular onlicenses” said Raaj Govinda, Chief Licensing Inspector for the Hutt City Council.

Excessive drinking can affect your decision-making, increasing your risk of becoming an offender, a victim, or ending up in hospital – and no one wants to see this.

Some key things to consider are:

-the provision and promotion of food

-ensure that low and non-alcoholic beverages are also on offer

-provide information on transport options

-educating and training your staff on your host responsibilities, which should include taking a fresh look at Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

Police and other regulatory agencies have already incorporated visiting clubs as part of compliance checks at licensed premises to ensure that responsible celebrations are occurring.

“We will continue to work together to ensure the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol is done so safely and responsibly and that any harm caused through excessive or inappropriate drinking is minimised,” said Govinda.

Parents hosting parties this Christmas/New Year season should also familiarise themselves with their responsibilities under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, and guidelines and advice are available from local Police.

ENDS

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