Plan to extend bars' Easter hours 'contrived' - police

Police said they fully supported holding a fundraiser for victims of the Christchurch earthquake, but believed the Dunedin bars' claim was contrived. Photo / Dean Purcell

A claim by a dozen Dunedin bars they can only run Christchurch earthquake fundraisers over Easter weekend is a "contrived" way to extend their opening hours, say police.

Twelve central city bars want to trade until 3am on Good Friday and Easter Sunday this year, instead of having to close at midnight, and have gone to Dunedin District Licensing Agency to have their hours extended, The Otago Daily Times reported.

Senior Constable Ian Paulin, Dunedin police's acting alcohol harm reduction officer, told the agency's committee yesterday police fully supported holding a fundraiser for earthquake victims, but saw the application as "somewhat contrived".

Police and health authorities oppose the application, saying they believe the fundraiser could be held at any other time.

They were also concerned the fundraiser, which touts a $1 donation per drink, could promote excessive consumption.

The manager of the Southern Break bar, Yassine Al-Kaissi, said his bar could not hold the fundraiser any other night and had to hold it between those hours as it was a nightclub and those were its busiest times.

He conceded the event was "a different approach [to extending its trading hours at Easter]...instead of fighting for the sacrosanct days".

The Sale of Liquor Act prevents hotels and taverns opening on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and before 1pm on Anzac Day.

Public Health South's medical officer of health Marion Poore said declining the applications would also give hospital workers a break from coping with drunks, and reduce pressure on the health system.

Representatives of the bars told the committee if the bars were forced to close at midnight, patrons would all be forced on to the street at the same time and if they were allowed to stay open later the numbers of revellers would dwindle over three hours.

The committee is expected to issue its decision on Monday.

- NZPA