24-hour RWC liquor ban for 3 months

Len Brown. Photo / Greg Bowker

Auckland police have moved to snuff out boozing in public places including drinking at bus stations and on the city-to-Eden Park walk during the Rugby World Cup.

Their call for the 24-hour liquor bans for public areas of the North Shore and central Auckland has been approved by Auckland Council's regulatory and bylaws committee to run from August 1 until October 31.

Mayor Len Brown said Auckland had to put on its best face for the Cup.

"I'm not sure Aucklanders are worried about temporary extensions to liquor bans in public places if they ensure the success of the tournament and the enhancement of our reputation as a welcoming destination for visitors."

Local boards queried why the bans kick in 39 days before the whistle blows for the tournament's first game.

Policies and bylaws team leader Dave Sanders told the committee that police asked for an early start date to give the public a reasonable time to absorb the changes before the tournament began.

"Tourists will be arriving during August and there is likely to be a build-up of people impinging on the public's unrestricted use of public space.

"It is desirable that police have the ability to discourage this through enforcement and education of the extended liquor ban well before commencement of RWC 2011."

Auckland Tourism said the bans would not cut across licensed activities for fanzones and entertainment areas on private property along the walking route from Queen Elizabeth Square to Eden Park.

The police want to stop drinking in public places along the 4.5km walking route.

Mr Sanders said the ban would not stop people from transporting alcohol from licensed premises but gave police the power to search, seize and arrest if necessary for public safety.

Police say the bans will be a tool to use at their discretion to contain trouble caused by drinking in public places.

As base to the French team for 26 days, Takapuna is thought likely to be a smaller version of Party Central in downtown Auckland.

Takapuna Beach Business Association supported the extension of the present night-time ban to cover day and night activities.

Association general manager Peter White said the first teams did not start arriving until late August.

"However, it will be the middle of winter rather summer and will not disadvantage many people.

"The police want the ability to arrest people for undesirable behaviour and it's important we provide a safe environment for visitors and everyone.

"But I hope police use a great deal of discretion, because if someone is down at the beach enjoying a wine or a beer and fish 'n' chips that's all well and good."

Auckland City district police commander Superintendent George Fraser said police regularly exercised discretion in enforcing existing liquor bans.

He said enforcement would not be directed to strict compliance but to preventing antisocial behaviour caused by drinking in public places.

The Waitemata Police District licensing team sought extension of the Albany liquor ban to 24 hours and to cover the surrounds of the Albany fanzone, North Harbour Stadium and the business district.

The fanzone, large mall and popular bars would increase the number of children and adults in the area day and night, police said.

In Northcote, police wanted the ban surrounding the Takapuna Golf Course carpark extended to 24 hours and to cover Northcote Rd and Onewa Domain. The domain will be used as a training ground for rugby teams and people of all ages would want to watch, they said.

Drinking liquor on a train is an offence but police wanted all transport hubs to be alcohol-free.

They wanted to stop people "front loading" or drinking large amounts before going on the bus and wanted all Northern Busway park and ride areas brought under the ban.

Some ban extensions cover BYO drinking away from licensed premises at Takapuna, Albany, Northcote and the opportunity for "front loading" at transport hubs.

They are supported by Auckland Transport and by the local boards of Devonport-Takapuna, Kaipatiki and Upper Harbour.