Cold comfort for wayward revellers

The cold concrete floor and steel bars of Alcatraz are in place to hold New Year's Eve troublemakers at Mount Maunganui.
Police are gearing up for the anticipated annual influx of revellers to the popular party spot and are warning those who flout the law in public or breach the liquor ban that they run the risk of being incarcerated in the temporary holding facility that has been dubbed Alcatraz.
About 20,000 people are expected to descend on Mount Maunganui to welcome in the New Year.
Construction of Alcatraz, named after the famous high-security prison in San Francisco, was completed today.
It will enable police to hold up to 250 people - but Senior Sergeant Duncan MacLeod said he hoped the number of arrests would be lower than last year's 390.
That was down on the previous year's 644.
"I feel this is going to be another good year," Mr MacLeod said.
Police took legal advice to ensure the temporary cell met human rights requirements.
Team policing units from the Bay have had riot training and will be backed on New Year's eve by police from Rotorua, Whakatane and Hastings.
Extra police will also patrol on Boxing Day.
Western Bay area commander, Inspector Murray Lewis, said the aim was to ensure that people who came to the Bay enjoyed their time and went home safely.
St John Ambulance service is also anticipating a busy night, with five ambulances and staff rostered on.
Normally there was just one unit covering Mount Maunganui at night. Regional manager Jeremy Godders said the bulk of work would relate to alcohol overdoses and assault injuries.
Trained staff would also be working in the events area at Mount Maunganui. Tauranga City Council environmental monitoring manager James Jefferson said the 24-hour liquor-free zones had contributed to peaceful New Year celebrations last year.
Police could search vehicles and containers without warning if they suspected people were carrying liquor, he said.
Possession and consumption of alcohol would be banned in the northern peninsula of the Mount, including the main beach and the full length of Marine Parade.
The liquor ban also includes public areas at Omanu, Papamoa and central Tauranga.
Youth ambassadors have been handing out brochures and talking to people about the New Year strategy and the penalties for breaking the law. "They played a key role in the success of the recent celebrations," Mr Jefferson said.
The handouts include "Live It Survive It" passports with information about how to have a safe New Year's Eve in the Bay.
The emphasis was on creating a family-friendly environment.
Mr Jefferson said the New Year event area would be a liquor, vehicle and glass-free zone.
Two stages would provide musical entertainment, along with a range of stalls and rides.
There would be a safe zone for anyone needing time out and liquor would be sold under controlled conditions at the Oceanside Bar.
The countdown to midnight would be followed by the traditional fireworks off Moturiki Island.