By FRANCESCA MOLD
If you are one of those last-minute party animals still deciding which bar or restaurant to go to on New Year's Eve, you could be out of luck.
A Herald survey of about 40 North Island restaurants and bars has revealed that while most pubs will remain open, many
eateries will be either closed, reserved for private functions or too hard on the wallet.
A number of restaurateurs in smaller towns such as Matamata, Raglan, Waihi and Cambridge will close tomorrow so they can enjoy their own millennium celebrations.
The same goes for cafes and restaurants in Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua that have been forced shut because they could not find staff willing to work.
Several of Auckland's most popular eateries, including Cin Cin On Quay, Iguacu in Parnell and Ponsonby's One Red Dog, will put up "closed" signs.
Essence in Herne Bay and Kermadec on the waterfront have been booked out for private functions.
Some restaurants that are staying open are demanding that customers buy high-priced tickets for set-menu dining.
On the Rocks in Whitianga is offering a four-course meal for $130, while Auckland's Viaggio is charging $250 for a six-course meal with champagne.
Most restaurants still had bookings available when spoken to by the Herald yesterday.
The chief executive of the Hospitality Association, Bruce Robertson, said the demand on restaurants would be low because many people were planning family activities and events instead.
Many were opting for "break fast on top of a hill" to see the sunrise rather than eating out the night before.
Mr Robertson said some people might miss out on dinner, but "this was always going to be a premium time and if you wanted to be anywhere specific at a specific time you should have planned ahead."
It will be easier for drinkers searching for a watering-hole on New Year's Eve, with most bars and pubs open.
However, many are asking patrons to pre-pay for the night's entertainment. The ticket system will make it easier to control crowds and avoid problems caused by drunken bar-hoppers.
It will also ease pressure on staff, who will not have to handle money.
But some ticket prices may be beyond the means of many fun-seekers.
Punters looking to party on Auckland's waterfront will have to fork out a cool $200 at The Loaded Hog. This covers continuous finger food and an open bar until 3 am.
The Carlton in Newmarket wants $299 a ticket for its Big Bash party, which lasts until the wee hours. Tickets to party at the Sky Tower have sold out, although there are still $50 passes left for those who want to watch the sunrise.
In Tauranga, The Grumpy Mole Saloon has a millennium package deal for $100.
Hamiltonians will have to hand over a cover charge of between $10 and $20 before celebrating at popular spots such as The Bank, The Outback and The Loaded Hog.
The cheapest option for ravers seems to be to head for spots such as Matamata, Cambridge and Rotorua, where most bars are open until the early hours and entry is free.
But Mr Robertson said it was important for restaurants and bars to have enough staff on tomorrow night "to ensure that they have control."
"The responsibility doesn't go away because it's a special occasion.
"Restaurants have a responsibility to do it right as well. If you can't, then you're better not doing it at all."
By FRANCESCA MOLD
If you are one of those last-minute party animals still deciding which bar or restaurant to go to on New Year's Eve, you could be out of luck.
A Herald survey of about 40 North Island restaurants and bars has revealed that while most pubs will remain open, many
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.