A permanent holiday-time booze ban for popular Wairarapa hotspots could be in place from next year.
The issue is raised in a report to be put before Masterton’s District Council on Wednesday as they consider renewing their annual alcohol bylaw.
The report recommends renewing the current alcohol restrictions, with the possibility of extending restrictions in a new bylaw to be proposed next year – to include places such as Riversdale Beach in a permanent holiday-time ban.
The report cited “alcohol-related antisocial behaviour” at Riversdale Beach over Labour Weekend.
“These reports revealed that inebriated teenagers had damaged property and smashed glass,” it said.
“Residents have queried the effectiveness of the enforcement of the temporary alcohol ban that was in place that weekend. Members of the police responded to the complaint at the time and have since met with residents and the mayor about possible future enforcement practices.
“During next year’s bylaw review and consultation, the community will be asked, among other things, for views about alcohol-related crime and disorder experienced over the New Year and during Labour Weekend in our coastal areas.
“Residents will also be asked whether the temporary alcohol-free zones made in these areas every year could be embedded into the bylaw permanently, to provide certainty for police and the community, and improve administrative efficiency for the Council.”
Targeted consultation on the current proposed bylaw last month received only one response.
That feedback supported the proposed current bylaw and noted they “‘had not had any problems with alcohol”, the report said.
The report recommends current alcohol-free zones – Queen Elizabeth Park, the Skatepark and Masterton Business District – be retained.
The current bylaw allows the council to impose temporary alcohol bans from time to time where necessary. This has included Riversdale Beach and Castlepoint during peak visitor periods like Labour weekend and the end of year holidays.
Now, the council is being asked to consider making those temporary holiday-time restrictions permanent in the new bylaw next year, following a full consultation process.
The report said council officers had presented to community associations earlier this year.
“The main feedback from this pre-engagement supported the inclusion in the bylaw of Riversdale and Castlepoint alcohol-free zones for Labour Weekend and New Year – an issue to be addressed through the 2026 review of the bylaw.”
If the council approves the current bylaw, it will come into force on December 8. Council staff will notify the police, submitters, and the community.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
