Alcohol Accord to target inner city crime and violence
Christchurch’s Central City Bars will introduce a one-way door policy from this Thursday (5 October). This is aimed at
reducing alcohol-related crime and violence in the inner city.
A significant part of the problem is the large number of young drinkers who are consuming alcohol at home and then
heading to town.
More than 45 bars in the central business district have formed an Alcohol Accord, in partnership with the Christchurch
City Council, New Zealand Police, Community and Public Health, a division of the Canterbury District Health Board, and
HANZ.
The first initiative under the Accord is the one-way door policy. From 4am, no new patrons will be admitted to any of
these bars and patrons who leave the premises will not be re-admitted.
Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore says the measure is designed to stop the migration of alcohol-affected individuals and
groups between bars and areas within the central city.
“Alcohol, and the policing of it, had been identified as a significant cause of crime and injury in the Central Business
District, resulting in disproportionately high rates of such offending as common assaults, sexual assaults, wilful
damage, property offences and other criminal and antisocial behaviour.”
He said the Accord partners were committed to finding on-going solutions to reduce inner city crime and violence, and
create a safe and prosperous night-time economy.
Similar Accords operate on Australia’s Gold Coast where alcohol-related offences have dropped by 17 per cent and sexual
offences by 12 per cent.
Peter Morrison, Chairman of the Central Business District Alcohol Accord Management Committee, said licensees have
welcomed the opportunity to work with the Police, Community and Public Health, HANZ and Christchurch City Council to
find ways to reduce alcohol abuse and associated disorders in the central business district.
“The Alcohol Accord is a unique partnership; one that is valued by all groups involved.
“Through consultation and collaboration, the management committee has created a situation where everyone is focused on
achieving the same goal – a safer place for residents, visitors and tourists to enjoy Christchurch’s warm hospitality
without any fear.”
Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Sandra Manderson said the Police alone do not have the
responsibility to reduce violence and crime in Christchurch. “The Alcohol Accord recognises this joint responsibility.
“From a policing perspective we see the Accord as part of an overall plan to reduce crime, and especially violence, in
Christchurch.
She said the Police want Christchurch to be a lively, vibrant city with a real heart, day and night. This Accord will
play an important role in helping to reduce violence and crime.
“The Police will have a strong presence in the central city over the key times of Friday and Saturday nights through to
Sunday morning.
“You will notice a greater inner city presence focussing on disorder and liquor licensing issues.”
Garry Moore said the message with the Accord was simple: to enjoy the hospitality on offer in Christchurch’s central
city in a positive, safe environment – Get in before 4.
ENDS