When you are outdoors celebrating the New Year season, be aware of the liquor bans that are in place.

"We have seasonal bans at Oakura and Urenui beaches and in Pukekura Park and some coastal reserves, and permanent bans in and around New Plymouths CBD," says Manager Enforcement Lloyd Crow.

"These bans are in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy these popular public areas, particularly at this time of year when there will be a lot of people out celebrating the New Year."

Liquor bans will be in place at Oakura and Urenui beaches for New Years Eve, while New Plymouths CBD liquor ban - including the areas around Marsland Hill and the Taranaki Cathedral grounds - is in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The liquor ban from Mt Bryan through to the East End and Fitzroy beach reserves runs from 1 November to 1 April each year, between 9pm and 7am each day from Thursday evening to Sunday morning, and this year from 9pm to 7am tomorrow (31 DECEMBER).

In Pukekura Park, liquor is allowed only within the areas immediately around the Hatchery Lawn and Fred Parker Lawn during this years TSB Bank Festival of Lights On Stage entertainment. No alcohol may be consumed in other areas of the park during the festival.

Mr Crow says the New Years Eve liquor bans at Oakura and Urenui beaches are intended to make these popular gathering points safe for people of all ages.

"Just like last year well have checkpoints for alcohol to stop any being brought into the beach areas during the ban," he says.

The liquor ban at Oakura Beach will start at 2pm tomorrow and ends at 2am on New Years Day. Urenui Beachs ban starts earlier at 6am tomorrow, ending at 6am New Years Day.

Checkpoints for alcohol will be on Wairau Road and Messenger Terrace in Oakura, and at the boat wash in Urenui.

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Liquor controls in place for New Year