Christmas in the Park goes alcohol free

Santa on stage at the Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park in the Auckland Domain 14 December 2013 Photo by Shaun Jeffers.

The 21st Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, which is happening on Saturday at the Auckland Domain from 7.30pm, will again be alcohol free.

Police, Auckland Council and Coca Cola have again agreed to a complete alcohol ban, the second in the concert's 21 year history, in order to improve levels of safety in and around the event and neighbouring suburbs before, during and after its conclusion.

Event organisers are responsible for security in and around the event while Police will provide support to security services employed by the organisers.

Auckland City District manager operations and support, Inspector Peter Gibson, says Coca Cola Christmas in the Park was always billed as a family friendly event and repeating the arrangements that were so successful last year makes perfect sense.

"By continuing to make Coca Cola Christmas in the Park alcohol free, it is consistent with all other such public events.

"We and our partners are committed to minimising alcohol harm to all, in whatever context, so our advice to anyone intending to come to Coca Cola Christmas in the Park is to leave the drinks at home.

We want the collection bins to be empty as a sign the public has heeded the advice."

People consuming alcohol in alcohol-free zones - anywhere in the city - are advised to desist or to dispose of it. Police, security and/or event staff will always use their discretion in these matters and, often, a warning or a reminder about the ban itself is sufficient to ensure compliance.

Those travelling on public transport on Saturday night are advised to check with Auckland Transport with regard to any amended or additional schedules.