Enjoy the NZI Sevens but stay out of trouble - that's the message from Wellington Police on the countdown to the 35,000 capacity sellout Westpac Stadium event.
Acting Inspector Jason Ross, police operations commander for Friday and Saturday's event (2 and 3 February), says police won't tolerate disorderly or drunken behaviour that interferes with the enjoyment and safety of people in and around the stadium.
"We'll have a very visible presence at the Stadium and in the city on both nights," Inspector Ross says. "People who drink too much, get into fights or other unruly behaviour will find themselves ejected from the Stadium or arrested.
"Our policing approach balances law and order with fun and the atmosphere of a fantastic sports spectacle. We want people to have a good time but not at the expense of others both inside and outside of the Stadium.
"The festival can be two long hot days in the sun so we ask people to drink plenty of the free water that will be available in the Stadium or spend some time in the chill-out zone instead of getting too carried away with alcohol. Be responsible about your drinking."
Stadium security officials will search bags to ensure alcohol isn't carried into the stadium, and breaches of the Sale of Liquor Act will be enforced. Police also remind Sevens fans that Wellington city's public liquor ban applies outside the Stadium plaza and in the city from 5pm to 8am on both days.
People are encouraged to use public transport in getting to and going home from the Sevens. "There will be pressure on central city streets leading to the Stadium, and we don't want to find people drinking and driving," Inspector Ross says.
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