Taupō bars have zero tolerance to violence

Taupō bars are working together to keep Taupō a safe place and demonstrate their commitment to ‘zero tolerance to violence’.

‘Banned from one, banned from them all’ is the byline for the campaign that kicks off the week before Christmas and will run throughout Taupō’s busy summer season. All the local bars have committed to the ‘zero tolerance to violence’ initiative where violent behaviour by a patron in or outside a bar will result in a ban from all Taupō bars for a period of time.

Bar operators will make the decision on how long the individual will be banned, based on the seriousness of the behaviour.

Mayor Rick Cooper says it is fantastic to see all the Taupō bars showing a united front and working together to keep Taupō safe. “I am passionate about keeping Taupō safe and discouraging anti-social behaviour in our town. Taupō has a buzzing nightlife and party atmosphere, which is popular with locals and our visitors - violent behaviour seriously detracts from the industry and is just not acceptable in this town.”

Gareth Green, Council’s Group Manager Environmental Services and Trustee of the Taupo Safer Community Trust says he is really impressed with the cooperation and buy-in of the local bars. “Banned from one, banned from them all sums it up nicely – violent behaviour is just not acceptable in our town and now offenders will get banned from everywhere. It is great that we have been able to get all of the bars on board and shows there is strong commitment to zero violence.”

Owner of Kazbar, Pub n Grub and The Clubhouse, Peter Paul says “Our businesses provide entertainment and the opportunity for customers to wind down and enjoy themselves – there is no need for bad attitudes and no room for violence when everyone is just looking for a good time!”

The bars and organisations supporting ‘zero tolerance to violence’ include Mulligans Public House, Bayview Wairakei Resort, Breakers Cafe & Bar, Pitch Sports Bar, Taupo Urban Retreat, Hilton Lake Taupo, Jolly Good Fellows, The Shed, Taupo Returned Services Association, Finn MacCuhal’s Irish Pub, Bond Lounge Bar, The Clubhouse, Kazbar, Pub n Grub, Starlight Cinema Centre, Plateau, Lucky Lizard Bar & Grill, Element Bar (Base Taupo), The Town House, Taupo Cosmopolitan Club, The Spa Hotel, Taupo Safer Communities Trust, Taupo Safer District, TownCentre Taupo, Taupo Police, HANZ and Taupō District Council.