Carterton CBD to get booze ban

DRYZONE: A map showing the new Carterton liquor ban zone, which takes effect on January 5. Areas marked in blue and red are included in the ban. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Carterton's central business district will be liquor-free from January 5.

On Wednesday, Carterton District Council voted to proceed with the proposed extension to the liquor ban, after no public submissions were received.

The existing liquor ban in Carrington Park will be extended to include all of High St from Belvedere Rd and Park Rd, through to the intersection with Wakelin St and Victoria St.

Memorial Square, the area around the Town Clock, Millennium Park and the car park next to WCM Legal are included in the ban area.

Parts of Belvedere Rd, Park Rd, Broadway, Holloway St, Pembroke St, Victoria St and Wakelin St are also affected.

In May, Wairarapa police presented a report to the council outlining problems in the CBD involving drunkenness and damage to property. Council executive officer Colin Wright said the ban gave police another tool to deal with irresponsible drinking.

"It gives them another power to control misbehaviour. There's been a liquor ban in Masterton's business area for several years and police thought that it would be good in Carterton."

Police had assured the council the bylaw would be enforced sensibly and would not penalise those who acted responsibly, Mr Wright said.