A liquor ban has been proposed for Omarama in a bid to improve the safety and appearance of the town, especially during the summer holiday period.
The proposal is being considered by the Ahuriri Community Board and promoted by its chairman, Omarama businessman Craig Dawson.
Originally, it was proposed to have a liquor ban in the town between December 28 and January 1, but police have advised an all-year restriction would be better.
Mr Dawson intends to raise the matter during a workshop with board members next week.
"There are a lot of broken bottles left lying around over the holiday season, which is not a good look for the town and [it] poses safety issues,'' he said when contacted yesterday.
Mr Dawson has had first-hand experience with broken bottles - his dog cut its feet on one.
Police also had concerns with drinking in the town, particularly in areas where they were powerless to do anything.
"It is not to stop people enjoying themselves, but to pre-empt any problems which may arise,'' Mr Dawson said.
The area being considered for the ban would be State Highway 8 as far south as the Omarama School and north as far the Countrytime Hotel and on SH83 as far east as the transfer station.
The grassed area in front of the Omarama Hotel, which has tables used by patrons, would not be affected.
