Anyone binge drinking or misusing alcohol at this year's Mountain Mardi Gras in Ohakune may find themselves seeing the night out in a purpose built detox area.
Despite a well organised event last year 50 of the 54 arrests were for breaches of the Liquor ban. A further 29 motorists were found to be drink-driving, 11 of which were caught driving home on the Sunday after the event still intoxicated.
The sally port at Ohakune Police station is this year being transformed into a detox area where partygoers drinking to excess will be isolated and monitored.
The officer in charge of Ohakune Police, Sergeant Mike Craig said: "It is a way of removing the chance of escalating problems and quickly frees up police staff to focus on other issues. We hope the area will act as a deterrent to drink sensibly. The choice between a fun, sociable evening with friends, or time out in a converted car-port on a cold winter's night should be a no-brainer."
The same liquor ban will be in place this year (Saturday, 25 June) and Police will act on breaches. Intoxicated people will not be allowed into the event.
A road policing operation will run from Thursday, 23 June involving the Traffic Alcohol Group and Highway Patrol. This will continue day and night throughout the weekend, and after the event, to help ensure people get to and from the event safely.
"Some of the partygoers last year, particularly young women, were highly vulnerable, placing themselves into dangerous situations through extreme intoxication. We want people to have fun, but we also want them to stay safe, to remember the event for good reasons and arrive back home in one piece. A bit of simple planning is all that is needed," said Sgt Craig.
Tickets generally sell out before the event, as does accommodation, so Police are advising visitors to book in advance and not travel to Ohakune if they haven't made suitable prior arrangements.
The general advice:
• Plan your trip carefully
• Don't drink and drive. Remember Police also test for drug-driving.
• Arrange safe transport to and from the venue or nominate a sober driver
• Lock your vehicles and make sure all personal items and valuables are out of sight.
• Moderate your drinking. For every alcoholic drink have a soft drink or glass of water.
• Don't accept drinks from stranger.
• Keep all valuables close to you and out of sight; only take to the event what you really need to take.
• Look out for your friends. If they have had too much to drink make sure they get home safely.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.