15 Mar 2015

Drink drive arrests after Hokitika festival

8:18 pm on 15 March 2015

Twenty-one people were caught drink-driving this weekend after the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival.

Fourteen of them were caught this morning, leaving the annual event in the West Coast town.

Sergeant Andy Lyes said of those caught this morning, 13 recorded breath alcohol levels between 250 and 400 micrograms per litre of breath, and one driver was over 400 micrograms.

Mr Lyes said the result highlighted the need for people to get a good sleep and to eat enough food after a night out before getting behind the wheel of a car.

However, the police were pleased with the behaviour of crowds at the festival with 10 arrests for disorderly behaviour, intoxication and fighting, but no serious assaults.

The Wildfood's festival is an annual event in the West Coast town of Hokitika, which attracts thousands of people every year.

Sergeant Sean Judd said outside the event 14 people received alcohol infringement notices for breaches of the liquor ban.

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