Tasmania Police will maintain a highly visible and increased police presence around the state tomorrow night for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Large crowds are expected to welcome in the New Year and Tasmania Police is urging people to act responsibly so that everyone can enjoy the festivities.

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves and have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve,” said Inspector Glen Woolley.

“While most people do act in a responsible manner, it’s a small number of people who ruin what should be an enjoyable night for others.

“Police will be highly visible and will not tolerate drunken anti-social behaviour spoiling the enjoyment of others. People should also remember that it is an offence to drink on the street and should confine their drinking to licensed premises or venues.

“Those who are planning to drink alcohol should plan ahead and nominate a designated driver or take public transport. In Hobart, Launceston and Burnie Metro has a Nightrider late night bus service, which will operate on New Year’s Eve,” Inspector Woolley said.

Over the Christmas / New Year’s Eve period there is also an increased police presence on the State’s roads, with operations focusing on speeding, drink / drug driving, vehicle defects, seat belt offences and inattentive driving.

In Hobart extra police have been rostered on for New Year’s Eve and will be conducting foot patrols around the waterfront and in the Central Business District.

A Temporary Police Station has been established within the ‘Community Village’ on Salamanca Lawns.

The consumption of alcohol on Salamanca lawns (other than in a designated licensed area), St David’s Park and Parliament House Grounds is prohibited between 3pm and 10am from the 10th of December to the 1st of January. (At other times of the year the ban applies between 10pm – 10am). No alcohol is permitted to be consumed in Franklin Square at any time, unless a permit or licence has been issued for the area.

NORTHERN DISTRICT:
Extra police officers have also been rostered on for New Year’s Eve, with particular attention focused on Bridport and the Launceston CBD.

“We do expect a large contingent of people to celebrate New Year’s Eve and we have made provisions for that with extra staff rostered on,” said Inspector Scott Flude.

“We encourage people to enjoy themselves in a responsible manner,” he said. “Keeping the public safe is our priority; we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour.”

WESTERN DISTRICT:
“The Western District has extra officers rostered across the area to monitor New Year’s Eve functions. These officers will be supported by a large Traffic police contingent who will concentrate on keeping the roads safe, along with Public Order Response Teams to ensure appropriate behaviour at both public and private events,” said Inspector Kim Steven.

“Burnie will have the annual A Night on The Terrace function occurring which will be one of the focuses of police activities in that area to ensure that families attending can safely enjoy it."

“Although there are no specific events planned for the Devonport area, we will have a high visibility presence in the traditional licensed entertainment area of the city along with a significant contingent at holiday camping areas, including the Port Sorell, Hawley area".

"I would again just encourage people to behave responsibly, to enable everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time whilst seeing in the New Year."

Tasmania Police Media
03 6230 2296