Booze ruling changes...not much at all | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

It will be business as usual for Wairarapa police and firefighters when it comes to enjoying a beer after work.

This week's decision by the Cabinet not to force bars at fire stations and police stations on to the same footing as other licensed premises when it comes to opening hours has been welcomed by the district's emergency services.

Mike Cornford, station officer for the Masterton fire service, said the bar at the station was not often open and, in truth, was only used on rare occasions, such as farewells to fire service personnel.

He said that if the Cabinet had enforced the Sale of Liquor Act rules for fire station bars it would have had little effect anyway.

"We don't have regular hours and no liquor goes off station."

In Carterton, firefighters have "a beer or two at most" after training but, bearing in mind that operational crews must be on hand in case of a call-out, many staff refrain from drinking.

Fire chief Wayne Robinson said the canteen "sells a lot of ginger beer".

He said the station's social area was available for the brigade's Christmas party, 21st birthdays and other special events but they were BYO affairs.

Carterton's new fire station is under construction and its planned social area will include a small bar.

"We have rules. They have got to be responsible and I wouldn't tolerate any drunkenness on the premises," Mr Robinson said.

Greytown fire chief Harry Howard said his team would have a few drinks after training and formal evenings such as the annual meeting. Firefighters knew there had to be operational crews ready to respond to call-outs and were aware in that regard that the fire service had a zero tolerance to alcohol.

In Featherston, drinking at the fire station is restricted to Friday nights from 7pm until midnight and is only for firefighters and invited guests.

Fire chief Colin McKenna said guests had to sign in and there was a strict policy not to serve anyone who was intoxicated.

Martinborough was to trial Friday night drinks and combine the occasion with a fish'n' chips night.

Fire chief Garry Jackson said it had been intended to have wives, partners and children along but - as luck would have it - just as the trial night was about to begin the hooter went off for a call-out.

He said having limited drinks available for firefighters was a way of saying thanks to the volunteers.

Inspector John Johnston said the Masterton police bar no longer existed.

The new police station simply had a beer fridge.

Mr Johnston said purpose-built bars were no longer included in new stations.

"Taupo's new station was finished just before ours and has no bar, and Gisborne's was built just after us and likewise has no bar."

He said if staff ending their shift wanted to have a beer at work they usually sought permission from a senior officer.

Other than that, drinks were limited to special occasions.