A 12-hour liquor licence for a motorcycle rally in Alexandra has been approved despite police objections.
Bronz (Bikers Rights Organisation of New Zealand) Otago plans to hold its 34th Vincent County Rally in Alexandra on February 2 and 3, the Friday and Saturday closest to Waitangi Day.
The Central Otago District Licensing Committee considered the application for the licence last week.
The hearing, before chairman Bob McNeil, Neil McKenzie and Michael MacAvoy was attended by rally organisers, police, council representatives and a representative from the Southern District Health Board.
Rally co-ordinator and Bronz Otago immediate past president Phil Scorringe said he was ''very happy'' with the decision.
''It's still subject to any police objections ... but hopefully they won't object any further.''
''We bring thousands of dollars into the community, there's an influx of people in the town.
''They don't sit there constantly drinking for 12 hours.''
At the hearing, Preventive Sergeant Derek Ealson said police opposed the application because they believed it did not meet the object of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and there were no adequate systems in place to manage intoxicated patrons.
At the rally earlier this year, police attended two callouts which they had not done in many years.
The police were called when a fight between two intoxicated females got out of hand and when a security guard was hurt.
This year's rally had a 12-hour licence but the bar was closed from 4-5pm.
As the committee decision stands, the bar will be open for 12 hours straight with no break next year, from noon to midnight on both days.
Mr Scorringe said they had closed the bar for an hour for at least the past three years, but the break in alcohol supply had never worked well, given that people wanted to continue drinking.
''It just creates animosity and problems - people would buy 3-4 drinks before 4pm and drink them over the hour.''
Sgt Ealson recommended a certified manager be appointed to control intoxication levels at the event.
But the committee was happy with the rally employing a man who was not certified, but held a Licence Controller Qualification and had trained in host responsibility.
The committee also said patrons could not bring their own drinks to the event.
Mr Scorringe said anyone caught bringing their own drinks would have their alcohol confiscated and they would put ''No BYO'' on event posters.
The Southern District Health Board and the council licensing inspector had no opposition to the licence.
Police still have the right to appeal the committee's decision but Sgt Ealson said yesterday he had not read all of the decision but was pleased special conditions were in place.
He said the police would review the decision and decide whether to appeal in due course.
Police last week withdrew opposition to an alcohol licence for the Central Otago A&P Show to be held in Omakau in February because it was decided the alcohol rules would not harm patrons, Sgt Ealson said.
