The Wireless

Breath-testing 'an option' at Sevens

07:51 am on 10 February 2014

Breath-testing people going into Wellington's Westpac Stadium is an option being considered by the police as they decide how to deal with excessive drunkenness at the Sevens tournament.

Twenty people were arrested and 270 people ejected from the stadium while another 37 people were arrested for drink-related offences in the central city in what the police describe as a night of mayhem.

Police say the constant disorder kept them very busy from 10.30pm on Saturday until 7am on Sunday.Those arrested will appear in court this week.

Police Inspector John Spence said police were disappointed with the total number of arrests and are reviewing the two-day event to decide whether to take further action against the stadium and its liquor licence.

Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown said the Sevens tournament was a success for the city, the vast majority of the crowd were well-behaved and ambulance staff reported they dealt with fewer incidents than last year.

The Wellington Sevens is estimated to bring in $18 million to the local economy.