Several incidents of disorderly behaviour by intoxicated patrons of Alexandra hotels during the weekend prompted police to warn yesterday they plan to take the matter up with the Liquor Licensing Authority and hotel management.
"We were very concerned at the level of intoxication these people had reached in the hotels and give fair warning we will not accept behaviour of that nature, " Sergeant Ian Kerrisk, of Alexandra, said.
"The community have also told us it is unacceptable, and we'll be taking action."
Seven arrests were made after incidents at two hotels, the first early on Saturday morning and the second later that evening.
Sgt Kerrisk declined to name the hotels, saying he planned to discuss the matter with the licensing authority and the management of the two hotels.
A brawl at one of the hotels early on Saturday involved about 20 people.
"Two people were arrested at the time but we were unable to make further arrests then, given the large number of people and the volatile situation."
An extra police officer, from Cromwell, was called to assist, but the matter was under control by the time the officer arrived, he said.
It took police about 45 minutes to disperse the crowd.
Later that day, two more people were charged in relation to the incident and three people were spoken to by police about their actions and given a formal warning.
Three Alexandra women, aged 26, 25 and 21, and a 26-year-old Alexandra man will appear in the Alexandra District Court on Wednesday facing charges of disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence and obstruction.
On Saturday evening, two overseas workers based in Alexandra - men aged 26 and 23 - were arrested and charged with disorderly behaviour following a fight at another hotel.
An hour later, the police were called back to the same hotel and a 20-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault.
The trio will also appear in court on Wednesday.
A 36-year-old Alexandra man was arrested last Thursday on charges of cultivating and possessing cannabis.
A 53-year-old Alexandra woman was charged the following day for possessing cannabis and allowing her premises to be used for a drug offence.
They will appear in court on Wednesday.
