Mayor not mooting outdoor cafe drinking ban

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 657, 8 October 1996, Page 4

Mayor not mooting outdoor cafe drinking ban

Ruapehu District mayor Weston Kirton replies to the Bulletin article, 1 October, 'Ban on public drinking mooted' : • Your article regarding the ban on public drinking in the last issue of the Ruapehu Bulletin is a misrepresentation on what was intended by myself on the problem. Drinking wine or alcohol in or outside a licensed bar is different than what has happened in many towns including Taumarunui where some people drink on footpaths and gardens creating a bad image for the town. These people generally cause a nuisance and become disorderly. The main thrust of the concern on public drinking at the last Council meeting was in fact that if we as a Council wanted to ban alcohol within the District we are not able to under present legislation. Drinking in public places may not be an issue in Ohakune where such an activity is appropriate and part of the atmosphere. However, other parts of the district may have to ban drinking to protect the public against such behaviour. I believe any local authority should have the mandate to ban drinking in certain areas. Each year at Mount Maunganui a temporary bylaw is in place during New

Year on beach resorts banning alcohol for obvious reasons. The legislation does not allow permanent restrictions on drinking in public places. I believe the move Council is taking is positive and responsible. Why should a small minority spoil the image of our towns? Let's prevent trouble before it begins. Weston Kirton Mayor, Ruapehu District Council Editor's note: While the article may have misrepresented what Mr Kirton meant, we believe it accurately represented what he said. We repeat Mr Kirton's quote: "I am talking about the person taking the liberty of drinking in our main streets. My view is that it is not appropriate." Later in the meeting, Cr Ellen Gould said she was concerned that a ban would be damaging to legitimate businesses, for example, Ohakune cafes. Mr Kirton's only comment then was that there was "a long way to go" before any by-law was implemented and there would be time for further debate. The point concerning council's ability to enforce a by-law and the need for a law change was covered in the second paragraph of the article. Police harrassment claimed • In reply to the letter regarding intimidating police, while I can understand from their point of view in some cases the way they go about their business, it has gone too far. Recently, I was harassed in town. With car tampering which seems to come with the season one can understand police being cautious and questioning someone hanging around a parked vehicle in an unlit area of town (wiping foggy windows). However, once positive identification has been proved (as owner of the vehicle) you'd think they'd be on their way. But the constant questioning kept flowing from the blue skinned computer. With each answer, it was assumed I lied, until the point was taken that I was not his meal ticket or prospective promotion! In the media lately things have come to light about police giving evidence in court. One example I experienced is where police solemnly swear to "tell the truth, the whole truth" but here they were with 'just enough evidence for a conviction" (the most damning and inaccurate). Now I don't call that 'the whole truth' and they were quick to have anything ruled 'not admissible'. Yet technically half the truth is not admissible. Butrealistically speaking we watch too much American TV and get full of ideas of equal rights and freedom, but hey, it's more convenient to shut the little people up and sweep them under the carpet. While there is this nice little belief among the public that the police are public servants, this is quite wrong — they are a law unto themselves and quite untouchable. The comment was interesting where it was stated that police are accountable for their actions (we like the sound of that). But who was made accountable for the strangling of Glen Innes in the back of a police car 3 or so years back? Or the endless cases where police shoot to kill instead of shoot to wound or disarm. And how does this Police Complaints Authority make themselves accountable (I assume this independent body is made up of ex or transferred cops)? My impression is that when one goes through the ritual of being disciplined, nine out of 1 0 cases he hangs his head in shame, pouts his bottom lip like a sorry boy, with tail between his legs, when all is said and done, he goes home to his wife and family, with a cooked meal waiting for him, a pension plan, holiday house intact. As opposed to being fingerprinted, photographed, escorted to some filthy cell and if lucky, given a sub-standard meal and after release from custody, have to start from scratch. The way things are, in some case I feel the only independent body that could satisfactorily police the police is the Gestapo! David Fairhurst Senior Sergeant Ross Beilby, from the Waimarino Police, replies: There are a range of issues that generally portray a lack of understanding by Mr Fairhurst and it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further in a public forum. With the nature of policing there will always be criminals and others who are unhappy with outcomes.