A permanent alcohol ban during peak holiday periods could soon be enforced at some of Wairarapa’s most popular coastal destinations, with the proposal set to be considered as part of Masterton District Council’s bylaw review next year.
The recommendation appears in a report going before the council on Wednesday as members prepare to renew the district’s annual alcohol bylaw, 1News has reported.
The report advises renewing the current restrictions but signals the possibility of extending them in the next bylaw update, including making the holiday-time alcohol ban at places like Riversdale Beach permanent.
It highlights concerns about “alcohol-related antisocial behaviour” at Riversdale Beach over Labour Weekend.
“These reports revealed that inebriated teenagers had damaged property and smashed glass,” the report said.
Residents had questioned whether the temporary ban in place over the long weekend was enforced effectively.
“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,” as reported by 1News.
The council plans to seek community views during next year’s full bylaw review and consultation period.
“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," as quoted by 1News.
According to 1News, “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 last month received only one submission, which supported the current bylaw and noted they “had not had any problems with alcohol,” the report said.
Under the existing rules, alcohol-free zones at Queen Elizabeth Park, the Skatepark, and the Masterton Business District will remain. The bylaw also allows temporary alcohol bans when required, a practice used at Riversdale Beach and Castlepoint during Labour Weekend and the summer holidays.
Now, councillors are being asked to consider formalising those restrictions permanently in next year’s bylaw update, following full public consultation.
The report added that council officers had met with 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,” as quoted by 1News.
If approved, the renewed bylaw will take effect on December 8, after which police, submitters and the wider community will be notified.