News release from NZ Police
Police fully support the decision by Church Road Winery to close the bar at Saturday night’s George Thorogood/Joe Cocker concert in Napier.

Senior Sergeant Sarah Stewart said police were concerned from very early on in the night about the high levels of intoxication amongst the crowd. Police made their first arrest at 6.30pm.

“There were a lot of very drunk people and this was apparent right from the start. There was also a lot of aggression amongst certain sectors of the crowd which led to a number of incidents,” she said.

Police evicted 16 people from the grounds for drunkenness. Eight people were arrested for disorder, fighting and assault. One person was taken to Hawke’s Bay Regional Hospital suffering from excessive alcohol consumption.

Security guards removed several highly intoxicated people from the grounds and other drunk people were being taken out of the concert by friends and partners.

Ms Stewart said police and the winery management had real concerns about the aggressive behaviour amongst some concert-goers. Bar staff were abused and threatened by several angry patrons when the bar closed.

“Both police and the Napier City Council District Licensing Officer expressed serious concern about the levels of drunkenness at the concert and we totally supported the winery’s decision to close the bar.

“We urge anyone attending these types of events to watch their alcohol consumption and drink sensibly. We want everyone to have a good time, but don’t overdo it.”