Wellington police are urging revellers to curb their alcohol intake as officers will this weekend be out in force targeting entertainment areas and the roads.
Inspector Paul Berry, Wellington Area Operations Manager, says safety is the primary focus with officers focusing on alcohol fuelled disorder, liquor licensing regimes and intoxicated drivers.
"Pre Christmas parties are now in full force," Inspector Berry says. "We want people to enjoy themselves with their friends and families but to make sure they do so safely and don’t put the lives of themselves and others at risk.
"Police will be taking a hard line on alcohol enforcement," he says.
Specialist teams including the Strategic Response Group, Alcohol Policing Unit, Maritime Unit, Strategic Traffic Unit, the District’s Traffic Alcohol Group with the ‘Booze Bus’ and late shift beat staff are combining forces for the initiative which is aligned to the police crime and crash reduction strategy.
Inner city and waterfront bars will be visited to ensure intoxicated patrons are not being served, the public liquor ban will be enforced and traffic units will be running checkpoint operations throughout the weekend.
"We’re not out to dampen the Christmas spirit. We’re simply out to encourage responsibility around celebrations."
Police advise partygoers to moderate alcohol intake, and to arrange safe transport home.
"It goes without saying that if you drink and drive, then you run the very real risk of being caught.
"Let’s make sure we all get to Christmas safely so we can enjoy it with family and friends."
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