Date: Thursday, 24 October 2013

Subject: Initiative to make Wanaka CBD Safer at Night

QLDC is trialling a new information-sharing initiative with ACC, Police and the hospitality industry that should reduce antisocial night-time behaviour in Wanaka.

Eight licensed premises have signed up for the trial, which will see them using a voxer app on Nokia Vodafone Smart Minis, funded by ACC, to alert each other about intoxicated or abusive patrons.

QLDC Regulatory Manager Lee Webster said that if one bar took action to exclude a troublesome patron, other premises would hear about it straight away, as would the Police and liquor inspectors.

Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said the Wanaka Police were right behind the joint initiative. “If we can identify people who have been excluded from licensed premises for violent or antisocial behaviour and share that information early, it will reduce the chance for further disorder.”

QLDC Deputy Mayor Lyal Cocks attended the meeting to discuss the proposal, and praised the license holders who had joined up. “This is a great opportunity to share information that should reduce street disorder and improve our town’s safety,” he said.

So far, Opium, Bullock Bar, Mint, Barluga, Woody’s, Raspberry & Gin and Waterbar have signed up to use the new system. Lalaland and Fitzpatrick have also indicated they will be joining shortly.

ENDS

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