HB police warn on pre-loading

Police are warning revellers that pre-loading will backfire on them in the wake of several arrests at the Hastings races last weekend.

Two 19-year-old females began their raceday celebrations way too early last Saturday and by 11.30am were sitting in police detoxification cells in the Hastings police station.

Senior Sergeant Freddy van Duuren said the girls and two male friends tried to get into the racecourse when it opened at 11am, but were denied entry because they were "very, very drunk".  Their male friends disowned them so the girls, who could barely stand, were taken to the Hastings station for detox.  It was not known what time the girls had started drinking, but it was likely to have been "early", Mr van Duuren said.

More examples of pre-loading were obvious as the day progressed.  Between 1pm and 3pm a steady stream of people  turned up at the racecourse gates "well and truly loaded" and were once again denied entry.

Mr van Duuren said while the event overall went well, there were still incidents of gross intoxication and irresponsible drinking.  There were 11 arrests for drunkenness and disorder.   Several were sent to the police cells for detox.

Police are urging drinkers this summer to think carefully before they "load up" prior to an event or going out for the night.

"Pre-loading is a major issue not just for police - it has flow-on effects to event organisers, bar staff, hospitals and other members of the public.  If you're going to have a few drinks before going out, keep it to a few and don't write yourself off.   You run a very high chance of being denied entry to an event or a bar if you turn up at the door already intoxicated.  What's the point?," Mr van Duuren said.

Police will be working closely with event organisers and publicans this summer around pre-loading.  With a long list of events lined up for this summer, event organisers will be encouraged to deny entry to anyone who shows obvious signs of intoxication, regardless of whether they have pre-bought tickets.

"Buying a ticket to an event does not give you automatic entry.  Many events now have terms and conditions written on the ticket that state intoxicated patrons will not be allowed entry.   So it's  pointless turning up drunk to something you paid good money to attend and not be allowed in," Mr van Duuren said.

Police will also be closely monitoring bars around Hawke's Bay this summer and won't be tolerating drunken behaviour.  Expect to be arrested if you are drunk and causing trouble, police say.

"Bar owners and staff have a huge responsibility to keep drunken people out of their premises and to not serve people who are obviously drunk.  The onus is on them to take their licensed premises responsibilities seriously and make sure they keep a lid on intoxication."