Power to search in Mission booze ban

Concertgoers driving into the Mission for the big Barry Gibb/Carole King concert on Saturday week can expect a higher degree of search powers by police.

People could now have their vehicles searched, along with any containers they are taking in as police and security enforce a temporary, but total, liquor ban.

Between the prohibition period of 11am and midnight on February 23 police, under a section of the Local Government Act, will have the powers to carry out searches of vehicles and items people are taking into the Mission grounds without a warrant.

They will also have the power to arrest anyone breaching the prohibition and who does not comply with requests to remove the vehicle or container.

Police said they would provide anyone found breaching the liquor ban with a reasonable opportunity to get rid of the alcohol.

The immediate area of the Mission Estate will also be under a liquor ban over the same period.

It prohibits the consumption, taking in, and possession of any alcoholic drinks along eight roads - Church Rd from Wharerangi Rd to Tironui Drive, Avenue Rd from Church Rd to Avondale Rd, Mission Rd from Church Rd to Auckland Rd, and the full lengths of Montpelier and Tironui Drives, Irene Mooney Place, Ennor Place and Bishops Close.

Those same roads will also be closed off to traffic on concert day between 6am and 11pm, with only resident access available.

Residents in the affected areas have been issued with car passes.