Liquor ban outside Raggamuffin will help ensure a smooth event

Locals and visitors to the Raggamuffin Music festival in Rotorua this weekend are being reminded of the fact that a liquor ban is in place outside the venue and its surrounding streets.

Rotorua Area Commander, Inspector Bruce Horne, said the liquor ban was first implemented in the areas surrounding Rotorua International Stadium during the 2010 Raggamuffin event. He said Police believe the ban was a significant factor in the smooth running of the event. The temporary liquor ban around the venue is additional to the permanent liquor ban in the Rotorua CBD and several suburban shopping centres and parks.

The liquor ban coverage area has been widened this year to include Springfield Road from the Stadium to Otonga Road, as well as a loop around the Stadium loop encompassing Pukehangi Road, Malfroy Road, Jervis Street, Huia Street, all of Devon Street West, and all streets and reserves within that area.

"Continuous improvement is fundamental to the Rotorua police operation. We aim to achieve excellence in our planning for major events - something that was officially recognised earlier this year when Senior Sergeant Brent Crowe was presented with an award by an international panel of crime science experts for the innovations he has incorporated into the planning for Raggamuffin in recent years. Learnings from the Raggamuffin festival will be incorporated into the planning for the Rugby World cup later this year.

"In order to identify opportunities for further improvement we de-brief every operation with the partner agencies involved."

Mr Horne says Police will take a proactive approach to policing the liquor ban as this has proven to be an effective tool in improving community safety.

"Police will take some level of action in relation to every breach of the liquor ban detected. At the least, the liquor will be confiscated. If you breach the liquor ban you should expect to be arrested, although a warning may be issued - depending on the overall circumstances including the seriousness of the breach."

Mr. Horne said that Festival goers can expect to see a highly visible Police presence over Waitangi Weekend.

"We have a large contingent of staff on the roads, at the Festival and in the CBD which will ensure that any issues that do arise will be dealt with promptly and effectively."

Mr. Horne also offered the following advice to Festival goers:
• Drive safely. If you are tired, fatigued or under the influence of alcohol don’t drive.
• Be patient. Expect delays on the roads and at access points to the venue.
• Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water. Many people are unaware that alcohol dehydrates the body.
• Comply with the liquor ban. You cannot take alcohol into the event, but you can purchase liquor inside the venue.
• Look after yourself and look after your mates

Mr. Horne also urges residents in the Stadium area to contact Police immediately if they saw any breaches of the law or liquor ban by dialing 111.