Trouble to be monitored

A new information-sharing initiative, involving the Queenstown Lakes District Council, ACC, Wanaka police and the hospitality industry, aims to reduce ''antisocial night-time behaviour'' in Wanaka.

Council regulatory manager Lee Webster said eight licensed premises had signed up for the trial, which would involve them using a ''voxer app'' on Nokia Vodafone Smart Minis, funded by ACC, to alert each other about intoxicated or abusive patrons.

If one bar took action to exclude a ''troublesome'' patron, the other premises would hear about it immediately, as would the police and liquor inspectors.

Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell, of Wanaka, said the police were right behind the joint initiative.

''If we can identify people who have been excluded from licensed premises for violent or antisocial behaviour and share that information early, it will reduce the chance for further disorder.''

Deputy mayor Lyal Cocks praised licensees who had signed up for the trial.

''This is a great opportunity to share information that should reduce street disorder and improve our town's safety,'' he said.

The bars that have signed up to use the new system to date include Opium, Bullock Bar, Mint, Barluga, Woody's, Gin and Rapsberry and Waterbar. Lalaland and Fitzpatrick have also indicated they will be joining shortly.

 

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