Newmarket Bars Working Together Ahead Of RWC2011

Fifteen months out from the 2011 Rugby World Cup and a Newmarket Alcohol Accord has been signed between police, liquor licensing inspectors, council officers, the business association, and key Newmarket licensees.

The Newmarket Business Association set up its own Alcohol Accord forum four years ago as a way to bring licensees and the authorities together, as well as to promote Newmarket as a responsible host and popular food and beverage destination.

“The police told us there are very little issues around alcohol-rated matters in Newmarket. Our licensees are working positively and overall reported crime is falling in Newmarket. All in all we’re very happy with our hospitality sector which is growing every year,” said Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association.

Newmarket’s Officer In Charge Senior Sergeant Wendy Spiller says she is pleased with Newmarket’s hospitality sector and the licensees' willingness to work positively with each other and the community. She says Newmarket remains an overwhelmingly positive, responsible and safe hospitality environment, with reported incidents low.

“The Alcohol Accord is about intelligence sharing, ironing out any potential problems and being responsible hosts. We also want to positively grow the local hospitality industry to complement Newmarket’s premier shopping,” says Cameron Brewer.

“Among other things, having a strong hospitality industry is a great way to draw people to Newmarket and keep them here. As well as providing for shoppers and businesspeople, we want to promote our local hospitality.

“At the last count we have over 100 cafes, restaurants and bars in Newmarket. Today Newmarket is a popular food and beverage destination in its own right, with a positive atmosphere and plenty of options around the likes of alfresco dining. The redeveloped Lumsden Green and Osborne Street provide a big boost.”

A liquor ban has operated in central Newmarket's streets and public spaces since 2004 with police, publicans, and the business association reporting it continues to have a positive effect.

“We’re going to be setting up a Rugby World Cup sub-committee soon and looking at specific marketing initiatives for Newmarket. With games scheduled late in the evening for the big matches, we’d love to promote Newmarket as the perfect place to ‘park, dine and ride’ to Eden Park, either on the bus or train. We’ve got some real critical mass now to go out and promote our hospitality offering,” says Cameron Brewer.

ENDS

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