Tasmania Police is encouraging people celebrating New Year’s Eve tomorrow night to be responsible and safe.

“This has been a difficult year for a lot of people with COVID-19, and police encourage anyone planning on celebrating the end of 2021 tomorrow night to act responsibly, look after their mates, and have a plan to get home safely,” said Inspector Nathan Johnston.

“Traditionally New Year’s Eve is a time of festivity – we don’t want to discourage anyone from celebrating – but we do want to encourage people to be safe.

“We’ll be conducting proactive police patrols in the entertainment precincts of Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, as well as deploying extra police resources to coastal towns to deter alcohol-related offences and violence.

“Anyone who is violent or unlawfully impacting others may be directed to leave an area or, where necessary, arrested,” said Inspector Johnston.

People should be mindful that the potential impacts of COVID-19 remain, and Public Health restrictions remain in place.

“We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations tomorrow night and get home safely.

“If you’re drinking always have a plan to get home safely and never get behind the wheel if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol – you risk killing or injuring yourself or someone else and that isn’t the way we want anyone to end their year.”