Police urge responsible celebration this weekend

Christchurch Police are urging rugby fans and holidaymakers to celebrate - or commiserate - responsibly this weekend, and say they will be keeping a close eye on bars and licensed premises.

Acting District Commander Inspector John Price says the combination of the Labour Day holiday and the Rugby World Cup final will mean a busy weekend for party-goers, but hopefully not for police.

"Like most kiwis we're hoping to see a win on the field - but we also want to see positive, winning behaviour from the community off the field," he says.

"Our advice to revellers and rugby fans is to enjoy the games this weekend - but be responsible, especially when it comes to alcohol.

"Whether they're celebrating or commiserating, or just enjoying the holiday weekend, we urge people to pace themselves and enjoy the occasion, not regret it."

Inspector Price says Police will have additional staff on duty this weekend and will be focusing particularly on licensed premises, and the Fanzone on Sunday night.

"We've been delighted so far with the friendly and family-oriented atmosphere at the Fanzone in Hagley, but we will again have staff on site keeping an eye on things during the big games on Friday night and especially Sunday night.

"We will also have officers in and around licensed premises and on the streets throughout the city, watching for any alcohol-related disorder.

"People should also remember to observe the alcohol-free liquor ban zones."

Inspector Price says it's important for people to be responsible with alcohol consumption, balance eating and drinking, and looking after friends, family and community.

"Many people will be enjoying a drink this weekend, but if taken too far, alcohol consumption can cause stress, interfere with sleep, influence people's decision-making and lead to behaviour that they are not proud of.

"And of course it is a dominant factor in road crashes."

Inspector Price says Police would also be conscious of the different responses from revellers depending on the result on Sunday night.

"It's been our experience in the past that the mood is not so positive when people's favourite team end up on the losing side - and that's not just in rugby.

"So whatever the outcome we urge people not to over-indulge, to think and act responsibly and take care of themselves and each other."

ENDS

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