Police Worried About More Alcohol Fuelled Violence in Christchurch

Police are worried the influx of construction workers into Christchurch could lead to more violence related to drinking.

Speaking on TV3’s “The Nation” Acting Police Commissioner, Viv Rickard, said that with 30,000 more workers down the Police needed to be careful what happens to that city over the next ten years.

His comments come a week after the serious assault on cricketer, Jesse Ryder.

Last week Christchurch Police proposed that all suburban bars in the city shut at 1.00 a.m. and that inner city bars operate a “one way door” from 1.00 a.m. and then close at 3:00 a.m.

“Most people that are offenders are 24 years and under,” he said.

“Close to 80% of those people that we arrest are affected by alcohol. 

“So when you connect those two things, lots of males, alcohol, you could have problems in the future, hence the reason that the Christchurch Police quite rightly are trying to get in early.”

Mr Rickard said people would still be able to come into the city and be entertained.

“But you know this is the way we're going to behave in Christchurch, rather than just have a free for all. “

Mr Rickard said Christchurch had had a number of high profile assaults blamed on alcohol recently.

“The reality is Christchurch is a vibrant city, it's under construction,” he said.

Christchurch East MP, Lianne Dalziel, said she also believed the construction workforce would throw up more alcohol and violence problems as they came into the city.

“I think that the Police are adopting a much more proactive response ahead of the problems that they see emerging, “ she said.

And Christchurch Central MP Nicky Wagner said she also supported the police proposals.

“I think it's going to make a significant difference and as we roll out the new reforms in the alcohol bill, I think we're going to see real change particularly in Christchurch,” she said.

ALL TRANSCRIPTS AND VIDEO FROM THIS WEEKEND'S SHOW ARE ON THE WEBSITE. www.frontpage.co.nz

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