Police get tough on liquor law

Mike Williams
Mike Williams
Cromwell police say they will take a hard line on the policing of liquor licensing laws, prompted by concerns about the number of highly intoxicated people seen around the town at the weekend.

In his weekly column in a community newsletter, the head officer at the Cromwell station, Sergeant Mike Williams, said he was working night shift at the weekend and was concerned about how many intoxicated people he saw.

"I am very conscious that we should not be the fun police and law-abiding people should be left to enjoy an evening out.

"However, when the levels of intoxication lead to pub fights, criminal damage and domestic incidents, I'm obliged to step in," he said.

On Saturday night, a group of intoxicated men damaged signs and letterboxes in Achil and Neplusultra Sts.

Drunk people were disproportionately represented in crime statistics as both victims and offenders, Sgt Williams said.

Liquor licensing laws said licensed premises should not serve intoxicated people, nor should they be allowed on the premises.

He would be reminding licensees of their obligations under the Sale of Liquor act and police would be looking more closely at any breaches in future.

"If you are not let into one of our pubs because you are intoxicated, or you are removed from a pub for the same reason, don't blame the staff at the pub. Blame me," Sgt Williams said.

Licensees faced hefty fines and periods of closure for breaches, so they were acting in accordance with the law and because of "pressure" from him.

Any complaints should be directed to him, Sgt Williams said.

" . . . but if you want to complain, don't bother until you have sobered up, and remember that I fully support licensed premises which are actively complying with the Sale of Liquor Act."

Similar comments on the liquor licensing laws were expressed by Oamaru police this week and Alexandra police signalled a similar policy in May this year, in response to disorderly behaviour by some patrons of Alexandra hotels.

 

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