Paihia's top cop is rejecting claims a failed bid to expand liquor bans was driven by the police, not the public.
At last month's meeting, Far North District councillors voted out a proposal to widen liquor ban times and areas around the Far North.
Included was a proposal to make Paihia's liquor ban apply 24 hours a day, all year round.
Drinking in designated public places around the town is barred from 9pm to 7am, and at any time during the Christmas/New Year holidays.
Councillors said they believed the proposals had come from the police, not the public, and that widening the bans already in place smacked of the "nanny state trying to run people's lives.
Paihia police Sergeant Peter Masters says he is disappointed with the council's decision, and he knows he had the community's support.
He rejects arguments that liquor bans are bad for tourism, saying he cannot think of a single overseas tourist arrested for breaking the liquor ban during his three years in Paihia.
Police can also use their discretion and warn people rather than arresting them, he says.
"It's the young locals from Kaikohe, Kerikeri, Kawakawa and Paihia who are drinking on our beaches and causing havoc when families and tourists are enjoying what Paihia has to offer," Mr Masters said. "They're well aware of the liquor ban and they're the sort of people a ban can keep under control."
Mr Masters says he also hates to see bottles littering the beach, something a liquor ban helps combat.
Failed liquor ban bid disappoints Paihia police
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