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Sergeant Bede Haughey wants to stamp out drink-driving at rural clubs.
Warkworth Police Sergeant Bede Haughey is spearheading a new alcohol responsibility initiative following a fatal car crash in Kaipara last June.
More than 30 members from Kaipara Sports Club, Mahurangi Rugby Club and the Rodney Rams League Club attended the ‘host responsibility’ evening at the Warkworth RSA on February 21.
Police joined forces with the Health Promotion Agency to run the initiative, which aims to educate club patrons and staff about responsible drinking.
A few drinks at the Kaipara Sports club ended in tragedy last year, when an intoxicated driver was seriously injured and his passenger killed while driving home on Kaipara Flats Road.
“The death in Kaipara last year galvanised us into action,” Sgt Haughey says. “It’s a small community and both men were well known and well liked.”
Sgt Haughey says Police view the number of drink-driving apprehensions and convictions as an indication of failure.
“We would rather that club members and the wider community help prevent anyone from driving drunk.
“It can be difficult for volunteer bar staff to say ‘no’ to club members who are friends or relatives. We are encouraging all clubs to take ownership for their patrons getting home safely.”
