Britomart brawl: 'Police need to take back control of the inner-city area' - councillor

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An Auckland councillor has hit back at police after they claimed politicians weren't doing enough to prevent booze-fuelled unruly behaviour in the central city.

North Shore ward councillor George Wood said police needed to cop some of the blame themselves, after brawls erupted at various locations in the CBD late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

"It is my view that Auckland City police need to take back control of the inner-city area of Auckland, especially if the happenings on Sunday morning are an indication of how people are behaving."

Mr Wood, who used to work for the police, said more front-line officers were needed to prevent scenes like those that took place in the city over the weekend.

"It is my view that police need to become higher profile by placing more uniform officers on the streets when large numbers of people frequent the Auckland city centre.

"Go down to the Auckland city centre when these on-licensed premises are open and you will find that police are spread very thinly."

He said until the Local Alcohol Policy was finalised, Auckland Council had no control over closing times for bars.

"Having a minimalist approach to policing the streets during times of violence and disorder won't achieve the outcomes everyone desires."

Earlier today, Inspector Gary Davey of Auckland City Police said they'd like the Local Alcohol Policy to require bars in the CBD to close at 3am, and a one-way door policy introduced.

He said more police would not be a deterrent as those involved in the violence were intoxicated and would offend in front of officers.