Editorial: Special drinks area an option

Events such as Christmas in the Park are also opportunities for boutique brewers to market their products. Photo / Duncan Brown

Just before last Christmas, my family and I went to Christmas in the Park.

It was a warm day and we took a blanket and fold-out chairs, walked around the stalls and sat down to enjoy the music.

I also couldn't resist going into the food area and sampling some of the exotic fare on offer.

Thinking back, I can remember people drinking at the event, although I didn't have one myself.

But the issue of whether alcohol should be served at this year's Christmas in the Park is in the headlines with the event's organisers and police clashing.

Organisers have applied for a liquor licence before the Tauranga District Licensing Committee but police are fighting the move.

It is an interesting argument and both sides have merit.

The ability to enjoy a cold beer or wine at an event will be viewed by many as a harmless, if not cultured, luxury. There are plenty of other public events where liquor is sold and plenty of adults find it relaxing to enjoy a couple of drinks and soak in the atmosphere.

Events such as Christmas in the Park are also opportunities for boutique brewers to market their products, potentially find new customers and try to make some money at the same time - just like food vendors.

Responsible drinkers should not be a problem. It is the miscreants who get drunk who cause the problems.

But police, quite rightly, question why it is necessary to sell alcohol at a family event where most who attended would be aged under 19. They also point out the damage that alcohol does in the community.

The committee has yet to rule on the matter.

I think it is refreshing to have alcohol-free events, but I have to side with organisers.

There is nothing wrong with a segregated area where adults can enjoy a beer or wine. But this area should be separate to the eating area.

This event has not had any reported problems since it began in 2011, despite the number of people increasing to 25,000 last year.

Organisers and vendors must exercise the highest levels of host responsibility. But if there are any alcohol-related problems this year, then they should be refused a licence next time.