Rain Dampens Post Sevens Crowd In Central Wellington Nightspots

2 February 2008

A heavy shower of rain towards the end of last night's NZI Sevens in Wellington put a dampener on the crowds who flocked into central city nightspots after the games finished.

Inspector Kevin Riordan, commander of the Wellington Police operation for the NZI Sevens, said Friday night in Wellington's Courtenay Place entertainment area was only slightly busier than usual.

A total of 27 people were arrested in Wellington between 10.30pm and 7am today, mostly for disorderly behaviour such as fighting. There were no serious assaults and only a small number of those arrested overnight had been to the rugby.

Inspector Riordan said the mood in the city after the rugby was pretty good and most people headed home early.

"We had a very visible police presence in the city overnight and this helped keep any incidents in check," he said.

At Westpac Stadium itself, 18 people were arrested for disorder, alcohol and trespass charges and 48 others evicted from the Stadium.

Alcohol fuelled behaviour both at the Stadium today and in the city afterwards will not be tolerated, Inspector Riordan said. He urged people to limit their alcohol intake as and to look after their friends.

"It doesn't matter where you are. If you drink too much you become vulnerable to crime - either as a victim or an offender," he said. "Wellington has a great reputation has a fun and safe city and we want to make sure it stays that way."

ENDS

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