Additional police will be rostered for duty within the area of the Hobart Waterfront to welcome in 2014.  Hobart Police will implement a number of strategies aimed at deterring anti-social behaviour in order that individuals and families are able to enjoy the fireworks, the festivities of the TASTE of Tasmania, the Sydney to Hobart finish and the events on Parliament House Lawns.

Hobart Police will once again be monitoring CCTV cameras surrounding the waterfront to identify any issues or trouble-makers, and to allow police to respond to incidents in a timely and efficient manner.  Additional security will be placed around bus stops and taxi-ranks to ensure patrons are able to arrive and leave the waterfront safely.

Inspector Glen Woolley, Officer-in-Charge of the Hobart Police Division said, “Tomorrow night we are expecting a large crowd at the waterfront to enjoy the fireworks and New Year’s Eve festivities, but we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour.  We want everyone to enjoy the night safely; everyone needs to ensure they take special care of themselves, not drink to excess, look after their mates and have a plan on how to get home safely.”

A temporary police station is located within the TASTE of Tasmania enclosure, which will be staffed during the event.  Marine police will also have a presence on the Hobart docks and will be conducting water patrols and Random Breath Testing of boat drivers.

Temporary taxi ranks have been located outside the Supreme Court in Salamanca Place and outside the Customs House Hotel in Morrison Street.

“For those opting for the sensible option of taking the bus home, Metro have organised a ‘Night Rider’ service.  Buses travelling to the Northern Suburbs and the Eastern Shore will leave from Salamanca Place, near the Supreme Court, and buses travelling south to Kingston, Sandy Bay and Taroona leaving from Davey Street.  The last bus service will depart Salamanca Place at approximately 2.10am.”

The fireworks displays will take place at 9.30pm and at 12 midnight.