Cards to keep boozers in check

Inspector Al Symonds said if Whangarei Fritter Festival goers went a bit silly on alcohol security guards would issue them a red or yellow card to remind them to slow down. Photo / John Stone

Usually when a red or yellow card is pulled out at Toll Stadium it is in the hand of a referee but tomorrow it will be in the hand of a security guard and will act as a hint to slow down on the drinks.

Police are encouraging people attending the Whangarei Fritter Festival to have a good time but Inspector Al Symonds said if people get silly they may end up with a yellow or red card.

"We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, if they don't they'll get a warning to calm down and eat some fritters," he said.

Security staff will be handing out red and yellow cards which will act as a reminder to people to watch their alcohol intake.

"Your first hint should be if the caterers don't serve you," Mr Symonds said.

A yellow card means: Slow down drinking, have something substantial to eat, drink water between drinks and be sensible.

"Take the hint if you get a yellow card, slow down so you're there for the final whistle," Mr Symonds said.

If the presentation of a yellow card doesn't get through the person will be issued a red card and may, like a naughty 5-year-old, end up in "time out".

A red card means: Stop drinking, eat lots and drink water, you are no longer allowed to be served and a time-out room is available if needed.

"If you get put in time-out you'll be monitored sufficiently, offered something to eat and drink and if you still don't calm down you'll be asked to leave," he said. Parents with children who are playing up shouldn't get too excited - the time-out room is restricted to silly adults only.

"Nice try, it's not a daycare," he said.

Mr Symonds hoped the card system would be a "positive way" of getting people to be aware of their alcohol consumption. "The vast majority of people are responsible, only one or two go silly. We expect people to eat, we expect people to drink but we want people to make it to the end of the night," he said.

Mr Symonds urged people to avoid landing in the "overnight time out" at the police station if they didn't heed the warnings.