Free alcoholic drinks will no longer be served at an awards night supported by the Hawke's Bay District Health Board.

Photo: 123rf

The DHB was in the spotlight this week after opposing an application from Port Ahuriri School to sell wine and beer at a fundraising event, because it was on school grounds during the afternoon when children could be present.

Responding to a request from RNZ about its alcohol policy, the DHB said it provided one free alcoholic drink to guests attending the Hawke's Bay Health Awards last year, and sponsors of the event also received wine on their tables.

"That is held off-site, adult only and not open to the public. One free drink of alcohol was provided to guests upon arrival and sponsors of the event received wine on their tables," a Hawke's Bay DHB spokesperson said.

"This year only non-alcoholic drinks will be provided and alcohol will only be available if someone wishes to buy it."

The DHB had no stance on gifting alcohol, it said.

Its position was on reducing alcohol-related harm.

"Each year alcohol costs Hawke's Bay Hospital at least $3 million in bed days alone," the DHB said.

The DHB said its staff could not claim the cost of alcohol on their expenses, and alcohol was not served at all on-site.

It could not say how many off-site staff functions were held that served alcohol.