Drinking alcohol in public places will be banned in Omarama during the festive season, under a temporary liquor ban approved by the Waitaki District Council yesterday.
After a review of the council's liquor ban bylaw last month, Omarama is the first community in the district to take advantage of a temporary liquor ban within public areas, including streets.
The council held a special meeting yesterday to pass a recommendation from the Ahuriri Community Board to introduce the ban within the boundaries of the township from 9pm on December 26 to 6am on January 3.
Cr Struan Munro said there had been ample consultation on the temporary ban and the board believed it would reduce drunken and disorderly behaviour, littering, broken glass, violence and other antisocial behaviour during the peak holiday period; particularly during the Omarama Rodeo on December 28.
Cr Jim Hopkins questioned whether police would be able to control the large area, virtually from the speed-limit signs on State Highways 8 and 83.
However, Waitaki Safer Community officer Alison Banks said it could be enforced.
The extent of the ban had been discussed with police, who would have extra staff in the town during that time.
The temporary liquor ban would be clearly signposted and information pamphlets were being printed.
First-offenders will be given a warning.
If they continue, they will be arrested and offered a chance to do community work cleaning up the town the next day.
Third-time offenders will be prosecuted.
