Omarama has moved quickly to implement a temporary liquor ban over Christmas and New Year, only days after the Waitaki District Council implemented the power in a review of its Liquor Ban Bylaw.
On Tuesday, the council formally passed the 2009 Liquor Ban Bylaw, which has a provision for temporary liquor bans to be implemented in the district's communities.
The Ahuriri Community Board has now applied for a temporary liquor ban covering most of the Omarama township from 9pm on Wednesday, December 26, to 6am on Sunday, January 3.
If introduced, it would stop people from consuming liquor in any public area in the township virtually from the 100kmh speed limit signs on State Highways 8 and 83.
Offenders will be dealt with on three levels.
A warning will be issued first, if offenders continue they will be arrested and then offered the chance to take part in a community clean-up the following day to avoid prosecution.
A third offence would result in prosecution.
On Tuesday, the council has set down a special meeting to consider Omarama's request for a liquor ban.
It has to be done by then to meet statutory requirements for advertising the ban.
Policy manager Ben Hopkins said the ban, in the interests of public health and safety, would also cover the Omarama Rodeo, which has caused problems in the past with people drinking on streets.
"The ban will reduce the potential for drunk and disorderly behaviour, littering (including broken glass) and other anti-social activities," he said.
Police would enforce the ban if the council approves it on Tuesday.
