Police raise fears over mob celebration

Police are concerned the planned security for this weekend's 400-strong Mongrel Mob gathering will not be enough given the provision of free alcohol. Photo / Sarah Bicknell

Police are concerned the planned security for this weekend's 400-strong Mongrel Mob gathering will not be enough given the provision of free alcohol.

The 50th anniversary event would be in two "stages", with a memorial run visiting eight Hawke's Bay cemeteries before convening in Te Aute for a hangi and "celebration" stage.

During the meeting of the Hastings District Licensing committee, president of Hastings Mongrel Mob, Rex Timu, said safety was the priority.

"I've told leaders around the country to talk to their members. It's all about safety ... safety to this Hastings community and safety to our members."

It had been planning the event and liaising with a previous police gang liaison officer for the past two or three years and with the current, Jason Bryant, for the past four months.

The mob had decided to go to a licensed premises as it believed it would generate good and better behaviour with the assistance of the law.

But police alcohol harm prevention officer Sergeant Raymond Wylie expressed concerns about the event, which appeared to be around the provision of "free" alcohol and the planned security measures.

This security consisted of five Maori wardens including two trainees; none of whom had other security or intoxication training.

Owner of Te Aute Tavern, Ian Morse, who applied for the special licence would also be present, with two staff acting as duty and bar managers.

Mr Wylie said for events with large numbers of patrons, such as Saturday's, security needed to be considered.

In a report to the licensing committee, police said it had received insufficient information from the applicant and was not satisfied with the Alcohol Management Plan provided.

Officers were also concerned the ticketing system and Mongrel Mob "policing" of the event would lead to intoxication, and was an illegal promotion of alcohol.

Mr Timu said doing its own security in conjunction with the wardens was a "good idea" as the mob would be able to manage its own.

Mr Wylie said provision of free alcohol would always be a concern for him and it was not something he felt had been fully formulated or litigated.

"If security were to be roaming and actually dealing with intoxicated patrons in an appropriate manner, if we had confidence that were to occur that would help my concerns with the provision of free alcohol.

"In my policing experience when alcohol is provided free I've seen alcohol-related harm involved such as fights or hospital admissions."

The mob proposed all alcohol served would be in cans, at 5 per cent or lower, and a one-serve per person enforcement.

Mr Timu said it had mentioned plans to limit each person's consumption to five or six cans. This alcohol had already been bought from fundraising efforts during the year, totalling an estimated 2400 cans.

Police and licence inspectors were welcome to make checks throughout the night, Mr Timu said.

The committee adjourned to decide the outcome of the special licence, expected today.