Scallop festival arrests over weekend

A positive event for the community in need of some minor tweaking is how Eastern Waikato Police assess the annual Scallop Festival held in Whitianga over the weekend.

Thames- Coromandel Sub-area Manager, Senior Sergeant Sandy Venables said about 7000 people enjoyed the festival, the majority of who were well behaved.

"In all 36 people were dealt with by Police, 22 of which were for breaches of the liquor ban while four people were processed for excess breath alcohol," she said.

"While by and large it was a positive family entertainment event we are concerned about the level of intoxication which required Police working with security staff to remove several people."

Following a debrief Police will be working with event organisers to make next year's festival a more family friendly environment.