The antics of drunk and high teenagers at a camping ground on the shores of Lake Aviemore has forced the Waitaki District Council to consider imposing a temporary liquor ban over Labour Weekend.
A temporary liquor ban is being considered to combat ongoing problems at Loch Laird at Labour Weekend.
The ban is one of several ideas being proposed by the Waitaki District Council following nearly two decades of alcohol-fuelled “undesirable and unsafe” behaviour from young people at the Otematata camp site. Other ideas include increasing the police presence and encouraging parents to take more responsibility.
Nearly 250 young people attend the “unofficial” event each year, many allegedly dropped off with alcohol from parents. They leave behind broken glass, have damaged toilet blocks, and some have attempted to drink-drive. Last year, St John was called on the first day to deal with stupidity
Fundraising windfall in Waitaki Valley oamarumail.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from oamarumail.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Fed up . . . Ahuriri ward councillor Ross McRobie says the Labour Weekend problems at Loch Laird are not fair on the Otematata community. PHOTO: KAYLA HODGE
Young people spending Labour Weekend at Loch Laird have always caused problems for the Otematata community, and now the district’s leaders have banded together to do something about it.
Workshops involving Ahuriri Community Board members, councillors, local police officers and Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher started earlier this year to identify ways to reduce the issues.
Suggestions have included banning glass, installing lights, increasing security, bringing in food vendors and introducing tighter restrictions on alcohol.