Police warn Crate Day revellers to be careful, say they will enforce liquor bans to curb bad behaviour

Police have a firm warning to Kiwis planning on partaking in Crate Day - have fun, but keep it safe.

The first Saturday of December marks Crate Day - a publicity stunt launched by The Rock in 2009 which encouraged Kiwis to celebrate the beginning of summer by buying a beer crate.

The Rock says it's about "sharing a crate with your mates, whacking some meat on the barbie, playing some highly competitive backyard cricket, and of course, listening to The Rock VERY LOUDLY".

But some revellers treat it as a challenge to drink a whole crate by themselves - 12 large bottles of beer, about nine litres.

Police say they are aware of the tradition, and know some Kiwis will participate - but they'll be there to ensure people are staying safe.

"This isn't about stopping people from enjoying a beer with their mates," a police spokesperson told Newshub.

 "We want you to have fun, while keeping yourself and others safe."

They say liquor bans will be enforced and anyone participating in Crate Day should make sure they have a safe way of getting home as alcohol and driving should never mix.

Anyone hosting a Crate Day event should keep the safety of their guests in mind too.

"Make sure there is enough food and non-alcoholic drinks available. Think about how your guests will get home," the spokesperson said.

"If you're a parent or a caregiver and there are young people drinking at your place, please make sure they are supervised at all times.

"We want everyone to have fun and stay safe, so please, look out for yourself and your mates."

In recent years, alcohol campaigners have called for the event to be canned altogether.

"It's time that this campaign came to an end. It causes too much harm to individuals and to communities," Nicki Jackson from Alcohol Healthwatch told Newshub in 2017.

Jackson said those promoting Crate Day should be held responsible for the costs.

"Start paying the bills for the emergency department admissions, the ambulance callouts, the police callouts. When are the campaign owners, the marketers, going to take responsibility for this campaign?"