New Year's Eve security shortfall a worry

An expected shortage of security staff for Queenstown bars on New Year’s Eve has some hospitality operators concerned.

The issue arose at an informal meeting of operators yesterday with Sergeant Chris Brooks, who will lead the police operation in the resort on the night.

Fireworks and stage music performances in Queenstown and Wanaka have been cancelled because of uncertainty over Covid-19 restrictions, leaving police and operators unsure how busy the towns will be.

Sgt Brooks said violence had "gone through the roof" in the resort’s CBD after the lifting of Covid-19 lockdowns, but it was hard to predict how busy it would be on New Year’s Eve.

There would be 70 officers on duty, who would be focused on prevention throughout the day, actively engaging with people to make them aware of the liquor ban, in order to minimise trouble later on.

He acknowledged bar operators’ concerns about security staff, but reassured them police would be maintaining a continual presence at "hot spots".

They would step up their response as necessary, and operators could contact him directly if they were concerned about situations developing inside their venues.

He advised them to focus on managing the queues outside.

"If you manage your queues well, you’ll have a good night."

Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult, council arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell and council events contractor Craig Gallagher also spoke at the meeting.

Mr Gallagher said 25 staff from the Red Frogs programme would be in the CBD to support the safety and wellbeing of young adult revellers.

They would be accompanied by security staff employed by contractor Cougar Security.

guy.williams@odt.co.nz