SA police’s New Year’s Eve crackdown on bad behaviour at party hotspots

Police have extra powers for New Year’s Eve celebrations tonight at Glenelg and the CBD, and are warning more officers are ready to use them.

Police are expecting more than 50,000 party goers at one of SA’s most popular New Year’s Eve spots tonight, but are warning they won’t tolerate any anti-social behaviour.

Both Glenelg and the Adelaide CBD will be declared public precincts between the hours of 10pm and 6am for New Years festivities, with extra police patrols in both areas to protect the community.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Glenelg. Picture: Ben Clark

Assistant Commissioner of Police Simon Watkins said hundreds of extra officers would be on the beat to ensure everyone has a safe but enjoyable time.

He said police were expecting as many as 50,000 party goers in Glenelg, with another 30,000 expected at the Elder Park fireworks at 9pm and midnight tonight.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Elder Park. Picture: Anna Vlach

“The message I’d like to send to people is pretty simple – have a good night, enjoy celebrating the year that was 2024 and seeing in 2025, but do that respectfully and responsibly,” Assistant Commissioner Watkins said.

“Glenelg and the CBD will experience a higher police presence. We will not tolerate violence and we will not tolerate drunk and disorderly behaviour.

“Within those areas, police can remove people who are acting disorderly or committing offences. We can also bar people from returning to certain areas.”

He also said there would be multiple drug and alcohol testing locations across the state as police look to crack down on drugged and drunk drivers.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Glenelg. Picture: Ben Clark

Fireworks in Elder Park. Picture: Ben Clark

Robert Tolson, Executive Director for Country Operations at the SA Ambulance Service, urged people to consume alcohol responsibly, but said paramedics would be out to assist them if they need them.

“Mix your drinks with water and alcohol alternating so you can stay well hydrated, given that it is going to be a very nice day to day and a warm evening,” he said.

“SA Ambulance is well resourced, with extra crews in the metropolitan area at significant events including the Big Bash, Semaphore celebrations and here at Glenelg.

“Staff will be ready for any events that do occur and our emergency operation centre will have extra staff on shift so we can take triple-0 calls as they come in.”