Safer Wellington Social Contract: Police Focus on Alcohol-free Zones

As part of the social contract Police committed to proactively monitor the central city’s liquor ban.

Wellington Police Area Commander Inspector Dean Silvester says over consumption of alcohol is a major driver of social harm in Wellington city with most incidents of violence, disorder or anti-social behaviour involving intoxicated people. 

“We have challenges with people pre-loading prior to coming into the city or side-loading by purchasing alcohol at off licences, or bringing it with them, and drinking it in areas surrounding the entertainment district. Side-loading is a concern for us and something we are actively looking to enforce. 

“We want people to walk through our city without feeling intimidated by people consuming alcohol in public areas and the Alcohol-free Zones act as both a safety initiative and a prevention tool.”

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.”

Councillor Tamatha Paul, the Council’s City Safety Portfolio Lead, says educating people about the liquor ban is a vital step in changing behaviour.

“We have a responsibility to make sure Wellingtonians and visitors to our central city have the information they need to make good decisions. We’ll also be reminding people about the Alcohol-free Zones by increasing our own communications about where people are not able to drink alcohol.” 

Police will review the results of action undertaken during April to determine how best to focus on the Wellington City Alcohol-free Zones. 

Where are the Alcohol-free Zones in Wellington:

The 24/7 Alcohol-free Zones includes: (Map of Wellington Alcohol-free Zone)

• Wellington Central area
• Oriental Bay
• Mount Victoria West
• Mount Victoria lookout
• Aro Valley
• Central Park
• Mount Cook
• Newtown
• Kilbirnie