Bars join forces to push anti-violence message

Aggressive bar patrons in Taupo who are thrown out of one bar will be banned from all of the town's bars as part of a clampdown on violent behaviour.

Taupo's 21 public bars have thrown their support behind the "banned from one, banned from them all" campaign.
Organisations backing the campaign include the Taupo District Council, Taupo Safer Communities Trust, Taupo Safer District, TownCentre Taupo, Taupo Police, Hospitality Association New Zealand and Taupo District Council.
Bar operators will decide how long an individual will be banned, based on the seriousness of the behaviour.
Taupo mayor Rick Cooper said it was fantastic to see all the Taupo bars showing a united front and working together to keep Taupo safe.
"I am passionate about keeping Taupo safe and discouraging anti-social behaviour in our town.
"Taupo has a buzzing nightlife and party atmosphere, which is popular with locals and our visitors. Violent behaviour seriously detracts from the industry and is just not acceptable in this town."
Trustee of the Taupo Safer Community Trust, Gareth Green, said he was really impressed with the co-operation and buy-in of the local bars.
"Banned from one, banned from them all sums it up nicely.
"Violent behaviour is just not acceptable in our town and now offenders will get banned from everywhere. It is great that we have been able to get all of the bars on board and it shows there is strong commitment to zero violence."
Owner of Kazbar, Pub n Grub and The Clubhouse, Peter Paul, said the businesses provided entertainment and the opportunity for customers to wind down and enjoy themselves.
"There is no need for bad attitudes and no room for violence when everyone is just looking for a good time," he said.
The bars supporting the campaign include Mulligans Public House, Bayview Wairakei Resort, Breakers Cafe & Bar, Pitch Sports Bar, Taupo Urban Retreat, Hilton Lake Taupo, Jolly Good Fellows, The Shed, Taupo Returned Services Association, Finn MacCuhal's Irish Pub, Bond Lounge Bar, The Clubhouse, Kazbar, Pub n Grub, Starlight Cinema Centre, Plateau, Lucky Lizard Bar & Grill, Element Bar (Base Taupo), The Town House, Taupo Cosmopolitan Club
and The Spa Hotel.