Zero tolerance in Mount Maunganui

Published: 10:34AM Thursday December 27, 2001

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Police in Mount Maunganui will again be out on the streets on Thursday night looking for breaches of the town's tough liquor ban.

On Wednesday night more than 50 people in the town ended up behind bars for drinking in public.

An alcohol ban is in place at the beach resort over the holiday period and people flouting the law can be fined up to $750.

Sergeant Mick O'Connor says it is disappointing that so many people appear to be ignoring the rules.

He says there has been a huge publicity campaign to remind people that they are not allowed to drink in public places at this time of year, but the message is not getting through to people.

Sergeant O'Connor says police are taking a tough line on anyone found with alcohol in public places.

Tauranga Mayor Jan Beange says she is disappointed about the numbers of arrests but pleased the offenders have been arrested and not just warned.

"We had a bad example last year of what too much alcohol does to young people, and we're not going to have it this year...so yes, zero tolerance," Beange said.

Temporary legislation passed under urgency last week has resulted in liquor bans in many of New Zealand's hot spots and police now have wide- ranging powers to confiscate liquor found in, or near, banned areas.

Napier will impose an alcohol ban in the central city for the first time.

Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes says both Wanaka and Queenstown will impose bans, but drinking will be allowed in specific areas.

Other North Island centres to designate alcohol-free areas over New Year's Eve are Taupo, Turangi, Tongariro and the Kapiti Coast.

Wellington, Palmerston North and Hastings are holding alcohol-free concerts, although not all of them will have an official ban in place.

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