Wellington Mayor Andy Foster says this is another part of the Social Contract agreed to last month between the City Council, Police, Regional Council and Hospitality and Retail sectors. We are all committed to doing our part to ensure the central city feels safe and is safe.
“Wellingtonians need to remember that drinking alcohol or possessing an open alcohol bottle in the city’s Alcohol-free Zones is illegal and they can be fined if caught by Police.
“We and the Police are asking people to be responsible and only drink alcohol in a licensed bar and not on the street. It’s the right thing to do and plays a big part in ensuring everyone has an enjoyable and safe time when they are out in the city.”
Police staff have several options available to them if they find a person drinking or in possession of opened alcohol in one of the Alcohol-free Zones. These include formal warnings, the issuing of an Alcohol Infringement Offence Notice requiring payment of a $250 fee, or arrest.
Map of Wellington's Alcohol-free Zones
“Our aim for any intervention is to achieve the most appropriate outcome for that given situation,” says Inspector Silvester.
“If we see you in an Alcohol-free Zone breaching the bylaw, you can expect to get attention from us.”