2 December 2004

Alcohol bans temporarily suspended for summer events

The central city and Mission Bay alcohol bans will be temporarily suspended for this year’s 95 bFM Summer Series, Music in Parks events and Mission Bay Jazz and Blues Festival.

Auckland City’s group manager community planning, Mark Vinall, says responsible drinking with a picnic has traditionally been permitted and caused few problems at these events.

The introduction of the extended central city and Mission Bay alcohol bans in October 2004 has prohibited people bringing, carrying or drinking alcohol in Mission Bay, Myers Park, Albert Park and Selwyn Reserve – the location of these free summer events.

In order to get permission to host an event of this type, event organisers must comply with a wide range of conditions to ensure alcohol-related issues do not occur. These include ensuring all health and safety standards are met, the site is cleaned up following the event and liaising with police.

Mr Vinall says the police support Auckland City’s decision to temporarily suspend the bans for these events given the organisers’ events proven track records as responsible hosts.

The 24/7 central city alcohol ban will be suspended for the Music in the Parks event in Myers Park from 2pm to 6pm on 9 January and in Aotea Square on 13 February from 2pm to 6pm. The ban will be suspended in Albert Park for the 95 bFM Summer Series from 1pm to 7pm on 30 January 2005 (scheduled date) or 13 February 2005 (postponed date) and 20 February 2005 (scheduled date) or 6 March 2005 (postponed date)

The Mission Bay alcohol ban will be suspended at Selwyn Reserve for the Mission Bay Jazz and Blues Festival from 10pm to midnight on 12 February (scheduled date) or 13 February (postponed date).

ENDS

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