Antisocial behaviour and litter appears to be declining as a result of the liquor ban in force in Alexandra and Clyde every weekend, Central Otago's top policeman told the Vincent Community Board this week.
The ban was introduced in Alexandra and Clyde at the end of May last year and applies from 10pm Thursday to 7am Monday.
It was working well, rural Otago area commander Inspector Mike Cook told the board.
"Anecdotally, there's a lot less litter and glass around too, and that's a positive thing for the town. As well as reducing the injuries caused by broken glass, the town also looks tidier," Insp Cook said.
From July 2008 to June 2009, 22 people were arrested for breaching the ban, 19 of them during last year's Blossom Festival.
Last month, community facilities officer Carol McGarry told the Central Otago District Council no major change in the amount of vandalism in council parks had been observed since the ban was introduced.
However, Central Stories staff had said there was significantly less broken glass to clean up.
"These comments are endorsed by the Visitor Information Centre's manager [Ingrid Temple], who believes the liquor ban has had a significant positive effect," Mrs McGarry said.
The council decided last month to continue the ban and include Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
A 24-hour liquor ban has applied during the main weekend of the Blossom Festival since 2004.
It now covers Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell and bans people from consuming or possessing liquor in public places from Thursday, September 24, through to Monday, September 28.
Insp Cook told the board police numbers in Alexandra were at "full strength", with 31 officers based in the town.
Fourteen extra staff were included in that number.
"Increasing the police presence is having a big impact on the area. We're making a real effort, as requested by the public, to have them more visible, out walking the beat."
