Blenheim bar owners have voluntarily implemented a one-way door policy, preventing patrons from entering bars in the wee hours in a bid to reduce alcohol-fuelled offending.
Police and the council's licensing inspector had been working with bar owners in the area to develop strategies to reduce alcohol-related crime in Blenheim's
CBD, Senior Sergeant Peter Payne said.
"As a result of our discussions two of the three licence-holders who remain open after 1am have agreed to implement a voluntary one-way door policy from 1am.''
Earlier this month police arrested 19 people in a single weekend of alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder.
The policy means no one will be allowed to enter the bars after the cut-off period but those already inside can stay until closing time.
