The decision to make the 20th Coca Cola Christmas in the Park a booze-free event has outraged many people who had planned to attend the event with their usual stash of snacks and wine.
It was announced yesterday that police, Auckland Council and Coca Cola had agreed to a complete alcohol ban for Saturday night's event "in an effort to improve levels of safety in and around the event and neighbouring suburbs before, during and after its conclusion".
"Christmas in the Park is the only public event where alcohol has traditionally been permitted to be brought in and consumed there. By making it alcohol free, it falls into line with all other such public events," said Auckland City District Police Commander, Superintendent Mike Clement.
Many concert-goers took to the internet to complain about the decision, with one describing the new-look event as "nana Christmas in the park" and another branding it dull.
"No BYO beer or wine this year. What's a Christmas party without a drink?" said one person on a Trademe message forum.
