Police seek CBD liquor ban

ARREST POWERS: Carterton District Council is considering a liquor ban in its CBD. PHOTO/FILE

Police want the power to arrest drinkers on the spot at the top end of High Street in Carterton after having problems with people using bottles as weapons, damaging commercial property and even "defecating in shop doorways".

At present there is a liquor ban in Carrington Park, allowing police to arrest drinkers on the spot, but the bylaw in the CBD only allows police to issue an infringement ticket for drinking in a public place. They can only be arrested if they fail to provide their name and address.

Carterton District Council will be reviewing its Liquor Control Bylaw at the next council meeting after receiving a report from police outlining the problems in Carterton CBD.

Police said the liquor ban in central Masterton, introduced over the last 10 years, had worked well to deter drinking in public places.

"The basic premise to support an extension is based on the experience of the Masterton CBD ban which was put in place over the last 10 years," Sergeant Kevin Basher said in a report to council.

An alcohol ban at Carrington Park, giving police the power to arrest drinkers, has been in place since 2005 which council says has been effective.

"It is understood the problems being then experienced there have been adequately addressed by that liquor ban," manager of planning Milan Hautler said in a council report.

Mr Basher said he had noticed problems involving alcohol in the CBD of Carterton in the past. "I know from experience, having worked in Carterton for extended periods, that issues have arisen in the CBD from intoxicated persons defecating in shop doorways and bottles being used as weapons and also to damage commercial property."

"What the bylaw achieved in Masterton was that it enabled police to immediately deal with persons in possession of alcohol in the banned area by arrest."

The bylaw would extend along High St from Belvedere Rd down to Masson St, Pembroke St and including Memorial Square.

Times-Age Facebook posters were asked if they would support a liquor ban in Carterton's CBD.

Nicky Doyle: There is a ban in featherston and most other towns. Yes it is a good idea but needs to be enforced not ignored or its a waste of money putting signs up.

Kerry Bennett: Yes and it's about time people wake up to one of the drugs that's destroying our community today.

Richard Alan Dahlberg: Just sort out the idiots who play up. Others should be able to enjoy a wine or beer when appropriate.

Bridget Whatarau: Do it.

Rachel Priest: Go for it ...

Kirsty Bishop: Great idea

Brian M: Many years ago when I drank alcohol there was a blanket nationwide ban on drinking in public. Presumably this law was dropped sometime since then so the obvious answer to public drunkenness would be to reinstate that law.

You can go to the Wairarapa Times-Age website to vote on our poll for the proposed liquor ban.