Most breaches in the first year of the Balclutha and Milton liquor bans have happened in warmer months, but police say they believe its introduction has reduced damage caused by unruly young people in central parts of both towns.
Statistics from July 1, 2008, to July 1 this year, obtained by the Otago Daily Times, reveal police have prosecuted 22 young people in that period and issued another 37 with warnings.
All were aged between 16 and 30.
The ban was introduced to try to reduce the amount of alcohol-fuelled disorderly behaviour in key public places in both towns.
A year on, Sergeant Martin Bull, of Balclutha, believes the ban is working.
He notes there has been a lot less reported damage and litter left at one of the most popular gathering spots in Balclutha, near the public toilets next to the Balclutha War Memorial Hall.
Although there were some reports during the first weeks of the ban of carloads gathering at spots outside the liquor ban areas, that had now dropped off.
Almost all of the court prosecutions involved incidents in Balclutha, with "just a handful" originating in Milton.
While no record of court prosecutions was kept, it is understood most cases were dealt with by convicting the offender and fining them between $200 and $400 plus court costs of $130.
The climate also appeared to have some bearing on when offenders were tempted to possess or consume alcohol in the banned areas, Sgt Bull said.
The busiest month was February this year, when six people were prosecuted, followed by five last December and September.
The other busy month was last November, when three people were charged.
Just one person was prosecuted in each of August and October last year and in January this year.
Sgt Bull said there had been no prosecutions since mid-March but was at a loss to explain why.
Police were generally happy with the response from young people regarding the ban.
During its first few weeks, police issued several warnings without prosecuting.
