BYO idea dropped before ball bowled

Cricket fans will still need to purchase alcoholic drinks.

The BYO trial for the Northern Knights' two upcoming Ford Trophy fixtures at Mt Maunganui's Bay Oval is over before it started.

Acting on initial advice from law enforcement authorities that the option of BYO alcohol was available and legal, Northern Districts announced their plan this week.

However, within 24 hours updated advice from Tauranga police has quashed the BYO option for the Ford Trophy matches scheduled on New Year's Day and January 4. The developments were announced late on Tuesday.

The Bay Oval venue will instead revert to its customary practice of serving liquor from licensed vendors within the ground.

Western Bay of Plenty Police acting Area Commander Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair said "As a result of an approach from the organisers, police staff had acted in good faith when they provided the initial advice. Alcohol at these events is normally sold through a special licence and on this occasion one had not been processed within normal timeframes."

Mr Wright-St Clair said "We understand Northern Districts' desire to make the option available when they chose to promote the trial. Today we have re-assessed the initial advice given and have advised Northern Districts that this trial, for these matches, would have likely breached alcohol-related laws."

"We have now worked with the interested parties to ensure alcohol can be sold in a safe and controlled manner under the provisions of a special licence."

Northern Districts' chief executive Peter Roach said that, while the initiative seemed to have merit and had gained considerable public support, his organisation understood the change of decision and would not challenge it. "We're disappointed we couldn't trial the idea, as it seemed to create some genuine public interest."

"We put forward the idea as we had listened to our consumers when they tell us going to watch live sport can be costly. The BYO alcohol was only part of our strategy and we are still pleased that the other aspects that we focused on are still in play - patrons can still bring their umbrellas for shade, food, and non-alcoholic drinks of any quantities."

"Ticket prices are also low at $10 for an adult, $5 for seniors, and free for kids under 16."

"We respect the police view on the matter as we always have. We still wish for our many supporters to come along on January 1 and 4 and have a great day at the cricket and get right behind the local team."

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