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This summer, the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board will repeat and extend the widespread alcohol ban that was used to prevent a Crate Day event being held on the Hibiscus Coast last year.
Crate Day gatherings, largely organised by The Rock radio station and on social media, provide an opportunity for people get together in a public place to drink alcohol on the “first weekend of summer”.
The events have resulted in increasing disorder, including vandalism and serious assault, since they started on the Hibiscus Coast in 2013.
At the police’s request, the local board agreed at its meeting on October 17 to adopt a comprehensive 48-hour temporary alcohol ban on December 1 and 2 across the Hibiscus Coast, on all beaches, foreshores and adjoining parks and reserves from Hatfields Beach and Orewa Beach, around the whole Whangaparaoa coastline.
This year the ban has been extended to include Waiwera. A police report said that Waiwera needs to be included because it was targeted by revellers last year.
Police became aware of this via social media and arrived ahead of the group to discourage the gathering and prevent any antisocial behaviour.
Ratepayers will cover the cost of the signs and advertising necessary to notify the public of the temporary ban.
There have already been discussions online about a potential Crate Day this summer, but police say that the liquor ban will enable them to stop the gathering before the disorder begins because people will not be able to bring alcohol to those locations.
If the event date is changed, Police will respond accordingly.
