18 October 2004

Extended alcohol ban for Auckland’s CBD

Drinking alcohol in public places in Auckland’s CBD is now illegal, due to a new 24/7 ban which comes into force today.

The central city alcohol ban, originally introduced in September 2002 to help the police deal with drink-related problems, now covers a wider area and is operational 24 hours a days, seven days a week.

New alcohol bans also come into force this week in the shopping and business areas of Panmure, Avondale, Onehunga, Glen Innes, Otahuhu and Mission Bay beach from 10pm to 6am, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and Parnell and Newmarket from 10pm to 6am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The new bans are in response to requests from the public, the police and community groups to tackle alcohol-related problems.

“The introduction of these bans complement a wider range of initiatives we are undertaking to improve safety in the community,” says Auckland City’s manager of community planning, Mark Vinall.

Auckland City will be working with the police to monitor the effectiveness of the bans over the next 9 months, with the first report due in July 2005.

The alcohol bans prohibit people carrying or drinking alcohol in public places within a ban area. This also includes possession or drinking of alcohol within vehicles in ban areas.

The bans do not cover private property or licensed premises, including any outdoor pavement seating attached to licensed premises. Carrying unopened alcohol bottles promptly through an alcohol ban area is permitted.

In most cases the police will give people the opportunity to leave the area or tip their alcohol out before they are searched. Anyone prosecuted for breaching an alcohol ban will face a fine of up to $20,000.

One-off exemptions are available for special events being held within ban areas.

For further information, including maps of the ban areas, and the chance to give feedback visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/drinksafe or call 379 2020.

ENDS

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