Latest statistics released by the New Zealand police show that you have twice as many chances of being violently assaulted in Queenstown than anywhere else in New Zealand.
The report shows that a person had a one in 139 chance of being the victim of a violent crime in Queenstown compared with the national average of a one in 202.
Police in Queenstown have successfully lobbied local council to impose a blanket 4 A.M closing time for licensed premises (pubs, bars and night clubs). The report clearly quantifies this controversial decision.
In Queenstown 17 percent of violent attacks occurred on licensed premises compared with the national average of only 3 percent. The number of violent offenders who had their last drink in a licensed premises was 63 percent in Queenstown compared with the national average of 20 percent.
Critics of the 4 A.M closing time argue that as a international destination, Queenstown should offer visitors international service that is comparable to other holiday hot spots around the world. On a recent trip to Bangkok I note that the Thai Government has a similar early close policy. In their case 1 A.M for bars and clubs and 2 A.M for venues offering live music.
Tags: NZ crime, Queenstown, Queenstown clubs, Queenstown crime, Queenstown night life