Vic: Police to crackdown on fireworks at New Year s Eve hotspot

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-1999
Vic: Police to crackdown on fireworks at New Year s Eve hotspot

MELBOURNE, Dec 15 AAP - Victorian police today announced a major crackdown on fireworks
and alcohol abuse at one of the state's main New Year's Eve hot spots, Phillip Island,
south-east of Melbourne.

Inspector Ken Lay said police were already aware that fireworks, prohibited except
to professional users in Victoria, were arriving on Phillip Island by boat ahead of millennium
celebrations expected to attract up to 70,000 people.

"Recent events have highlighted the dangers associated with these devices when they
find their way into the wrong hands," he said.

Insp Lay said one teenager suffered a serious head wound when hit by a rocket set off
in crowded celebrations at the Phillip Island motorcycle grand prix earlier this year.

He said police boats would patrol the island to check vessels for illegal fireworks.

A roadblock would be set up at the entrance to Phillip Island to check vehicles for
fireworks, drugs and other illegal goods, he said.

A large number of police patrolling the island would also crack down on people consuming
alcohol in the open, and people camping in prohibited areas, he said.

Bass Shire Mayor Noel Maud said the council wanted "a return to family values" at this
year's New Year's Eve celebrations.

AAP gf/er/cjh

KEYWORD: EVE VIC

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