A version of events reported in the New Zealand Herald today about the alleged actions of an off-duty Police officer at a private function in a Takapuna restaurant last week, varies greatly to those of the function patrons and on-duty officers who attended the premise late that night.
Auckland City Police and Waitemata Police initiated an inquiry late yesterday after contact from the New Zealand Herald. That inquiry is ongoing.
The restaurant where the function took place has a restaurant licence and is therefore a 'Supervised Area' which is entitled to have minors present until midnight on a Saturday night, as long as they are accompanied by parents or legal guardians.
Restaurant management is entitled to establish its own house rules which can differ to the provisions of the licence as long as they don't breach the licence.
About 60 guests were booked in advance to attend the function and they ranged in age from 12 to their mid-70s. The parents of all minors were present.
Waitemata Police attended at the Hurstmere Rd establishment at about 11pm after a bouncer flagged down a passing patrol and complained about the actions of an off-duty officer.
The officer had not been drinking and was co-operative when spoken to by Police. Waitemata Team Policing Unit conducted a walk through at the same time and did not find any illegal minors or intoxicated people on the premise.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz