Police are stepping up patrols at bars and entertainment venues in Christchurch suburbs as patronage increases outside the cordoned-off central business district.
Superintendent Dave Cliff says officers are aware that stress following February's devastating earthquake is affecting some people - but that is no excuse for bad behaviour.
Mr Cliff say police want people to enjoy themselves, but not get drunk and become victims of crime, or offenders.
There has also been a small rise in the number of people being caught drink-driving in the suburbs and people need to realise there will be no leniency, he says.
Slow down, motorists told
Motorists are being urged to slow down as the city remains hazardous.
Police say drivers are ignoring speed restrictions on unstable roads and bridges, and they must slow down around schools and roadworks, in particular.
Heavy trucks carrying demolition rubble to the Burwood landfill are using a new route that avoids densely-populated residential areas.
