Police are encouraging owners of licensed premises in Christchurch suburbs to manage their premises wisely, as the number of people drinking in the suburbs increases following the 22 February earthquake.
"Good host responsibility is critical to ensuring people keep safe while they are out drinking. Managing the amount of alcohol consumed is an important factor in reducing unruly behaviour or alcohol-related incidents," said Inspector Paul Fremaux.
Suburban bars were experiencing higher levels of patronage as an influx of people shifted to socialising in the suburbs while inner city pubs were still closed, he said.
It's important for publicans to continue to be mindful of the basics of host responsibility, which include serving alcohol responsibly and identifying and appropriately dealing with intoxication, he said.
"Ensuring that intoxicated people aren't being served and that people who arrive at a bar intoxicated aren't admitted, as well as encouraging patrons to have a safe transport option home, are all key factors to patrons drinking safely," he said.
Publicans should also be mindful of not overcrowding bars and keeping patron numbers within limits.
People who headed out for a drink and `pre-loaded' with alcohol beforehand needed to ensure that they were not intoxicated when they arrived at a bar. If that was the case, then they wouldn't be admitted, Inspector Fremaux said.
They also needed to make sure they had thought through a safe option for getting home before heading out for a drink. This could either be nominating a sober driver, catching a taxi or arranging friends or family to pick them up.
Police are continuing to carry out high visibility patrols throughout the city and will be focusing on the areas of Papanui and Riccarton over the next few nights and into the weekend.
Christchurch Liquor Licensing Sergeant Al Lawn said police also had an expectation that those selling alcohol from off-licenses - including supermarkets - needed to do so in a responsible manner and not at deeply discounted levels. This caused huge problems in people drinking in uncontrolled drinking environments, he said.
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