REBECCA STEVENSON
A possible "lockdown" of West Quay bars in Napier has been welcomed by pub owners but they say people drinking outside in cars are the real problem.
Napier City Council's Environmental Management Committee yesterday resolved to consult on a range of options to improve public safety at the Ahuriri night-life
hot-spot.
Among those is that bars close their doors to patrons from 2am onwards, only allowing people to leave.
A change to the city's Sale of Liquor Policy would be needed but it would not be directly enforceable.
A "one-way door" policy reduces the 3am mass exodus of drinkers. In Christchurch the scheme has been credited with lowering crime statistics and disorder in the central city area.
Shed 2 bar manager Jamie Buckley said they were already planning a one-way door policy.
"The cleanout at the end of the night is much easier and it gives you extra control. People may start drinking earlier and go home earlier."
Speed humps along the wharf, extra liquor ban signage, lighting and removing parking - either completely or partially - are other options the council will look at.
Speights Ale House owner Tony McEwan said the lack of enforcement of the liquor ban created problems in West Quay. " I don't think people realise there is a ban."
Mr Buckley said people often got drunk on liquor bought from an off-licence and hung out in cars on the wharf.
Removing the parking would combat people milling around drinking, as would something to slow traffic.
"It's really annoying when people on motorbikes and in loud cars come through," he said.
Thirsty Whale owner and former police officer Keith Price said the lockdown could be a good thing, but it would have to be voluntary and needed to be researched.
Rear access to bars, where possible, would also be looked at to mitigate the crowds on the wharf - a move Mr Price said would be unfair for his establishment.
Both the Gin Trap and Shed 2 had side entrances , he said. The estimated cost for extra lighting, speed humps, signs and wharf markings is approximately $65,000. The committee also resolved to undertake a review of the Sale of Liquor policy.
