Alcohol free is the key point of difference between the 20th Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, which is happening on Saturday at the Auckland Domain from 7.30pm, and its 19 predecessors.
Police, Auckland Council and Coca Cola have agreed to a complete alcohol ban, the first in the concert's 20 year history, in an effort to improve levels of safety in and around the event and neighbouring suburbs before, during and after its conclusion.
Event organisers are responsible for security in and around the event while Police will provide support to security services employed by the organisers.
Auckland City District Police Commander, Superintendent Mike Clement, says Coca Cola Christmas in the Park has always been billed as a family friendly event, so extending the usual peripheral alcohol ban to take in the event site itself makes perfect sense.
"Christmas in the Park is the only public event where alcohol has traditionally been permitted to be brought in and consumed there. By making it alcohol free, it falls into line with all other such public events.
"We and our partners are committed to the objective of minimising alcohol harm to all, in whatever context, so our advice to anyone intending to come to Coca Cola Christmas in the Park is to leave the drinks at home. We want the collection bins to be empty as a sign that the public has heeded the advice."
People consuming alcohol in alcohol-free zones - anywhere in the city - are advised to desist or to dispose of it. Police, security and/or event staff will always use their discretion in these matters and, often, a warning or a reminder about the ban itself is sufficient to ensure compliance.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589