Student booze giveaway frustrates police

Dressed for their big day were the girls from Fridgette in Castle St North, who were hosting a...
Dressed for their big day were the girls from Fridgette in Castle St North, who were hosting a street party for Flo Week. Photos: Linda Robertson
Police are frustrated after a company gave away bottles of alcoholic lemonade to a student party on Castle St yesterday. 

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said police saw about 100 1.25 litre bottles at the Flo Week (flat orientation) party. 

The booze was given to the occupants of the flat as sponsorship for the party. 

Snr Sgt Bond said it was in breach of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act. 

"Dunedin Police have concerns about the supplying of free alcohol to the vulnerable student community and the Alcohol Harm reduction officer will follow-up with the company involved," Snr Sgt Bond said. 

One the occupants of the flat said Bee Alcoholic Lemonade gave them 280 bottles of their drinks as a sponsorship for the night.

The students got into the Valentine’s Day spirit with a themed party on Castle St North as part of Flo Week, which precedes the official O Week (orientation).

One Fridgette flatmate said it was a tradition for their flat to host on February 14, but instead of the standard theme of dressing up in red, white and pink, guests were asked to come dolled up in a tuxedo or wedding dress.

"A few of us got our dresses from TradeMe, Facebook Marketplace or Op Shops. Some of us spent around $25 on the dresses and some of us found some bridal sashes and veils as well.

"Everyone should hopefully come in good costumes and all the boys are hopefully in black tie suits — unless they want to be different, then they can come in dresses as well."

She responded saying "you never know" when asked if she might find her future husband at yesterday’s party, but her mum had warned her she might have to kiss a few frogs first.

"The house is decorated with hearts and love and we have a good line up of boys to DJ for tonight. We’re excited to get up all dressed up."

Getting in an afternoon round of beer pong outside a flat in Castle St North yesterday were...
Getting in an afternoon round of beer pong outside a flat in Castle St North yesterday were University of Otago students (from left) Jack Sorrell, Rohm Dixon, Leo Schwerzer, Alexa Cunningham, Leo Whiteside, Jake Harvey-Brown, Josh McNaughton and Jackson Faithfull.

Flo Week is held annually the week before O Week and included themed dress-up and open parties held by Castle St residents.

The Fridgette said she had Flo Week costumes sorted, which included a double denim night and a back to school theme.

"I haven’t got next week’s costumes yet. That’s a problem for later."

Down the road a group of students were kicking off the night very early with an afternoon game of beer-pong.

The second years recently moved to Castle St North and student Alexa Cunningham said one flatmate had already lost a door due to festivities getting a little out of hand.

laine.priestley@odt.co.nz

 

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