A multi-agency presence including the police will be felt in Queenstown over the weekend when the second stage of the transtasman Operation Unite alcohol-reduction campaign is implemented.
The multi-pronged joint initiative between New Zealand and Australian police and agencies, which began in September, focuses on reducing alcohol-related harm, Acting Sergeant Craig Gibson, of Queenstown, said yesterday.
Drink-driving checkpoints and controlled-purchase operations, where supervised volunteers attempt to purchase alcohol from retailers, began on Thursday and would continue for an undisclosed duration.
Sgt Gibson said Queenstown police resources were bolstered by drink-driving squads from Central Otago and Invercargill and the "booze bus".
Officers, including senior management, will be joined by representatives of the District Licensing Authority.
Staff from ACC and health groups were assisting in other New Zealand centres.
Sgt Gibson said the public would notice a greater multi-agency presence in licensed premises in Queenstown.
"Alcohol-related harm is a major issue for us in Queenstown and it's not about us taking a heavy-handed approach; it's about encouraging a greater understanding and compliance with the Sale of Liquor Act.
"The more the industry complies with the Act, the less instances of alcohol-related harm - disorder, wilful damage, theft and jobs where someone is so grossly intoxicated they become comatose.
"It's a more regular occurrence than people give credit to in Queenstown."
