No red cards issued to RWC fans

No red cards issued to RWC fans

“Opening local pubs and bars for early morning Rugby World Cup matches gave thousands of Kiwis a place to gather together and cheer on our boys in black. We are as proud of Ritchie McCaw and his team as we are of the all the RWC fans who made the early morning trek down to their local and enjoyed the games over a coffee or a pint – without incident”, Hospitality New Zealand President Adam Cunningham said today.

“Although the NZ Police played an important part in ensuring the safety of early morning patrons, it is the RWC fans themselves that deserve a pat on the back for the happy and controlled behaviour exhibited throughout the tournament.

“When legislation was passed to allow early morning hospitality openings, many, including the NZ Police vigorously opposed the move. We were confident that the majority of New Zealanders were responsible and industry professionals were certain the early openings would be well managed by the already very clear responsibilities bars have in place.

“Fans up and down the country proved that the concern and mistrust the Police held was unfounded, with New Zealanders being responsible for the happy and controlled behaviour the Police are now claiming credit for.

“As an Industry, we hope that this RWC tournament and the outstanding behaviour of early morning hospitality patrons will encourage the NZ Police to come from a place of trust and confidence when faced with similar situations in the future, rather than opposing moves that bring responsible Kiwis together to celebrate events that they choose to get on board and work with Industry and the public to repeat the same success we have seen throughout the 2015 World Cup.

“New Zealanders were champions on and off the field during the Rugby World Cup – and not because we were all scared of the referees who may have wanted to hand out red cards – but because Kiwis are good sports and responsible players”, Hospitality New Zealand President Adam Cunningham.

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