It was chaos in Queenstown on Crate Day as rowdy revelers took to the streets and hit the beer.

A messy, impromptu Crate Day party on Queenstown's Village Green has appalled mayor Jim Boult and triggered calls for a year-round public drinking ban.

Queenstown police called for support from Alexandra police on Saturday to monitor the intoxicated crowd of 300 people but did not arrest anyone.

Downtown QT general manager Steve Wilde says the uncontrolled party provided all the evidence the Queenstown Lakes District Council needed to ban even a quiet beer on the beach.

NZ POLICE The aftermath of an impromptu Crate Day party on Queenstown's Village Green on Saturday.

"It has really sealed the fate for public drinking on streets and in public parks in Queenstown.That would include the beach. I think it is over," he said.

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﻿There is no all year round liquor ban for Village Green although temporary bans are imposed during the summer holidays.

Debbie Jamieson Appalled: Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult.

Boult talked with council staff about the mess on Sunday morning. He confirmed the council did not know the event was going to happen.

He believed the event would have shocked residents and visitors and the council would want to debate public liquor bans as soon as possible.

"The sad part is if a family wanted to have a little picnic on the beach and have a glass of wine. I am all in favour of that. But drunken revelry in our town to the state that our town is trashed? That is not acceptable," Boult said.

Debbie Jamieson Downtown Queenstown manager Steve Wilde says Crate Day has harmed Queenstown's reputation.

​Wilde said the incorporated society's board of directors was concerned by the damage to Queenstown's reputation and images of harmful intoxication circulating on social media.

"We are not going to have this. There is too much at stake . . . If the council needed any proof that harm is being done through public drinking they have it all here in one place," Wilde said.

He also questioned the police handling of Crate Day. He was not at Village Green.

NZ POLICE Rubbish was left beside Horne Creek after an impromptu Crate Day party in Queenstown.

"I just saw a video on Queenstown Trading of a police officer playing cricket with the crowd. Unacceptable. Were they asking who the organisers were and where was their event permit and safety plan. Who were the security officers monitoring it and how they were going to deal with intoxicated patrons and where was their rubbish collection plan. By playing cricket with the crowd the police actually endorsed what was happening and that's not on," Wilde said.

Queenstown Lakes residents reacted strongly on social media sites, including Queenstown Whinge and Queenstown Trading and Upper Clutha Trading Post.

Images showed hundreds of people partying in the park to loud music, while crates of beer cooled in Horne Creek. One video showed a police officer playing cricket.

NZ POLICE Queenstown's Christmas Tree presides over an untidy Village Green after Crate Day.

Queenstown Whinge posters praised Asplundh workers for cleaning up Village Green by 9.30am but used expletive laden language to describe the revellers as "dirty", "lazy" and lacking any conscience.

Some suggested the council should have put more bins out.

Queenstown resident Darrell Spencer has authorised the use some of his live Facebook video stream of Crate Day.

Spencer enjoyed Crate Day and said the police were friendly and played cricket.

"But I was kind of upset about the state that people left it in. I think that's something that needs to be talked about. It's grand having a celebration but if you can't clean up, then don't partake. If I can clean up after myself, then everyone else should be able to," Spencer said.

POLICE STATEMENT

Wilde's questions were put through to Area Commander Otago Lakes Central Inspector Olaf Jensen.

He was unavailable for an interview but provided a statement and photos of the rubbish.

Jensen confirmed "around 300 people" had gathered at the green.

The event "had no organisation behind it and had been promoted through social media with no direct involvement from police," he said.

"For the area where the gathering took place there was no liquor ban operating that police could be expected to enforce.



"While attending the event, police engaged with those gathered to help maintain order and manage the situation."



Jenson said the police did have concerns about the uncontrolled nature of the event and the level of intoxication of some of those taking part.

"Police will continue to engage with the Queenstown Lakes District Council and business leaders in regard to options for reducing alcohol harm in the community," Jenson said.

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