Raggamuffin: Liquor ban in surrounding streets

DRAWING THE LINE: A liquor ban is in place for the area around the Rotorua International Stadium with Pukehangi Rd, Devon St, Huia St, Jervis St and Malfroy Rd forming its edge. PICTURE/SUPPLIED

Police are reminding people to stay safe at this weekend's Raggamuffin Festival.

The annual reggae music festival, held at the Rotorua International Stadium, kicks off today with police working to ensure concert-goers have a safe and enjoyable time.

Police will be present at the two-day event, assisting security staff at the gates and checking people do not smuggle liquor or banned substances into the venue.

There will be a liquor ban in place until 4pm on Sunday in the stadium's external parking areas and in surrounding neighbourhoods. Alcohol will be available at the venue but concert-goers will need to produce ID at the R18 tent to obtain a wristband to be served.

Police will also be patrolling the carparks and area surrounding the venue to make sure people's cars are safe from break-ins and there is no trouble around the stadium.

Rotorua police Inspector Ed Van den Broek said it was important for people who were drinking alcohol to do so in moderation.

"Don't drink to excess, keep yourself safe, stick with friends and enjoy the entertainment," he said. Not drinking and driving was another key message Mr Van den Broek wanted to highlight.

"It's important people don't drink and drive, because they put themselves and other people at risk."

He urged people who were consuming alcohol to take the shuttle and taxi services available at the venue.

Police will also be patrolling the streets around Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty this weekend on the lookout for drink drivers and speeders, with several checkpoints in place.

Raggamuffin concert-goers will not be permitted to enter the stadium if they are carrying cans, glass bottles, video cameras, alcohol, illegal drugs or offensive weapons.

No food can be taken into the stadium today, only sealed bottles of water. However, small quantities of unopened/sealed drinks and non-commercial food such as sandwiches and fruit will be allowed in tomorrow.