Booze ban on festival roads

Festival organisers and South Wairarapa District Council have agreed on a liquor ban to prevent "pre-loading" before the New Year's Eve event.

A liquor ban will be in place at Martinborough Square, Jellicoe St, Lake Ferry Rd, and Dry River Rd to the intersection with Blue Rock Rd from 7am on December 30 to noon on January 1.

It is the second time a liquor ban has been put in place for the 10,000-strong festival crowd, after pressure from police, community members and organisers.

In a letter of support, festival director Josh Mossman said the sustainability of the festival depended on the goodwill of the Martinborough community and organisers were keen to minimise any negative impacts.

The liquor ban targets those who park up en route to the festival and drink before they go in. "Pre-loading invariably leads to incidents of disorder, fighting and assaults," he said.

Alcohol is sold at the site, but festival goers are not allowed to bring it in, and cars will be searched before entering.

A letter from Senior Sergeant Carolyn Watson in support of the ban said parking on the side of the road was hazardous in itself, and they did not want to see festival-goers drinking alcohol before heading in. "The police believe the community of Martinborough does not need to suffer any further intrusion on their peace and well-being by this potential hazard."