Will there be a complete liquor ban for AC/DC gig?

AC/DC in concert. Photo / AP

Police want to ban alcohol around legendary rockers’ Springs concert.

Western Springs-bound AC/DC fans might have to contend with the "dry-way to hell" next month.

Many fans heading to the December 15 gig will be 60-plus, like band members Brian Johnson, Angus Young and Chris Slade, but police are concerned the antics of the aged concert-goers might be too unruly for neighbouring residents.

Auckland Council's Waitemata local board will on Tuesday consider a police request to introduce a dry zone around Western Springs, something it didn't deem necessary for last year's Eminem gig.

A raft of nearby streets are part of a proposed clampdown, including a large loop around Western Springs Stadium and Auckland Zoo.

If the temporary restrictions are approved, anyone caught pre-loading near the site or carrying alcohol out of the venue could be arrested and issued with a $250 fine - a move sure to provoke a Hells Bells reaction from fans.

Council documents show police have provided a one-page letter to Auckland Council chief executive Stephen Town in which senior sergeant Antony Wilson cites "curbing alcohol-related harm" as the reason for its request.

Waitemata chairman Shale Chambers wants more information to justify a ban.

"The local board is keen to understand why the Eminem concert was not considered for the same measure," Chambers said.

"We want an opportunity to consider what alcohol-related harm could be involved."

Auckland City District police prevention manager, inspector Gary Davey, said the welfare of public who would encounter fans on the way to events such as the upcoming AC/DC concert formed part of the consideration process for any proposed temporary dry zones.

The police request has been backed by Kiwi football legend and longtime AC/DC fan Wynton Rufer.

The 52-year-old said although some concert-goers would be "gutted" they couldn't have a pre-gig drink, public safety had to come first.

"There is always a handful of nutters who have the potential to stuff it up for everyone else," he said.