Council Backs Liquor Ban

Police calls for a liquor ban in Pahiatua have been backed by the council.

Councillors discussed a letter from Pahiatua Police Sergeant Steve Baddock who expressed concern at the level of behaviour involving liquor in the town’s CBD.

Sgt Baddock compared the drinking problem in Pahiatua with Dannevirke before the introduction of a liquor ban four years ago. That had gone a long way towards solving the problem, he said.

“Currently the police do not have powers to stop people whether drunk or not, drinking alcohol in a public place and removing that alcohol. This liquor ban complements and adds a very important tool to the Police’s powers to control alcohol abuse, which often results in wilful damage and disorder,” he said.

The liquor ban should not affect those licensed premises that had an area surrounding their businesses set aside for drinking outside.

The boundaries of the proposed area to remove alcohol from the CBD were discussed and agreed upon.
Once signs are in place informing the public of the boundaries the ban will come into force.