Vic: Police patrols and pole flights, all part of a busy NYE

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2000
Vic: Police patrols and pole flights, all part of a busy NYE

MELBOURNE, Dec 31 AAP - Victorian police are gearing up for a busy New Year's Eve,
calling on revellers to display tolerance and consideration in the countdown to 2001.

All available booze buses will be in operation, $100 fines will be issued to revellers
drinking alcohol on city streets and a crackdown on fireworks and underage drinkers will
be enforced.

Additional patrols have been rostered in the central business district and holiday destinations.

Assistant commissioner Noel Perry has urged parents to be aware of their teenage children's
activities tonight, and warned there will be a crackdown on under-age drinking.

There will also be a police crackdown on fireworks at Phillip Island, a traditional
and often rowdy spot for revellers.

People using illegal fireworks face fines of $500, Mr Perry said.

He called on publicans with extended operating licences tonight to act responsibly.

"We are calling on hotels and liquor outlets to sell alcohol in aluminium cans, rather
than bottles," he said.

For those keen on celebration, but not alcohol or drugs, the Melbourne City Council
will stage 12 hours of free music from 6pm (AEDT).

The event, "Turnout 01" will be held at Skate Park at the corner of Lonsdale and Swanston
streets, and is expected to attract more than 10,000 young people.

Midnight will be marked by a huge fireworks display over the city centre.

Meanwhile, 356 passengers and crew onboard a Qantas 747-400 aircraft have opted to
see the new year well away from police patrols and city-centre celebrations.

They will take part in a flight departing Sydney and Melbourne over the Antarctic to
see the first sunrise for 2001.

The flight leaves Sydney at 2pm (AEDT) and Melbourne at 4.30pm (AEDT), spending about
12 hours in the air.

Highlights include crossing the magnetic South Pole, where they will see compass needles
spinning out of control, spectacular South Pole scenery and a roving jazz band on the
aircraft.

Prices for the flights range from $3,739 for a first-class seat, down to $899 for the
lowest-priced economy-class fare.

AAP gfr/pc

KEYWORD: EVE VIC

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