The outright ban since September 1 on the consumption of alcohol in the Masterton CBD will be in force 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The outright ban since September 1 on the consumption of alcohol in the Masterton CBD will be in force 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
New alcohol ban signs are being installed around the Masterton Business District this week to highlight the changes to the bylaws which came into effect on September 1.
The outright ban on the consumption of alcohol will be in force 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in anarea which covers Chapel St, Queen St and Dixon St and extends down as far as Kuripuni. New areas of the town to be included are the McDonald's car park and the new Masterton Town Square. The transportation of alcohol in unopened containers from a licensed premises through these areas is permitted, as are designated outdoor drinking areas at some bars.
The skate park at Queen Elizabeth Park is also subject to the ban at all times, but the ban in the rest of the park will only operate from 9pm to 7am, in order to allow the general public the opportunity to enjoy an alcoholic drink when picnicking in the park.
Sue Southey, Masterton District Council's manager environment and planning, explained the alcohol ban is important for the community as a whole.
"The aim of the ban is to provide a safer environment for our residents and we have worked very closely with the police on ensuring that the key areas of our town are covered when formulating these new bylaws.
"The extension of the ban area to include McDonald's car park is an important move and we are extremely grateful for the co-operation of the owners to enable this to come into force. In the same way, the new town square will become a major focal point for the town and it has been designed to provide a safe atmosphere for the entire community to enjoy. Banning the consumption of alcohol will help to keep it this way and ensure that all of our residents and visitors can benefit from it.
"The skate park is strictly off limits and anyone found drinking there, or anywhere within the alcohol ban area, could be subject to a fine of up to $20,000."
