The Christchurch City Council has decided against imposing a 24-hour alcohol ban on the YES Power Sparks fireworks display on February 15.
- Booze ban likely for next Christmas in the Park
- Assaults spark call to ban booze at family Xmas event
The decision comes after the recent Christmas in the Park, which had no alcohol restrictions, ended with a 17-year-old being punched to the ground and left with a suspected fractured eye socket.
A police spokeswoman said there were several assaults at the event.
The mother of the victim called for future Christmas in the Park events to be made alcohol-free.
City council head of strategic policy Emma Davis said the YES Power Sparks firework display would go ahead without alcohol restrictions.
“Following engagement with police and our contracted security company, we believe a liquor ban would not be of benefit,” she said.
“Police and security teams will be on the ground, and we are introducing additional lighting towers around the venue for increased visibility.”
She said alcohol restrictions had not been put on the event before.
“Sparks has run for over 30 years with minimal incidents, we will closely monitor behaviour at the event this year and will continue to reassess any risk each year.”
