Plans for a ‘bring your own' alcohol trial at tomorrow's Ford Trophy clash between Northern Knights and Wellington Firebirds at the Bay Oval have been shelved by police.

After receiving initial advice from the relevant law enforcement authorities, Northern Districts Cricket announced the trial last week ahead the January 1 fixture.

The Bay Oval will revert to selling alcohol via licensed vendors after a 'bring your own' scheme was scrapped by police.

However, since being told their BYO plan was available and legal, local police have released updated recommendations which have overruled the idea.

The Mount Maunganui venue will instead revert to selling liquor from licensed vendors within the ground.

Northern Districts' chief executive Peter Roach is disappointed that the initiative, which had gained considerable public support, will not go ahead, but insists he understands the change of decision.

'We're disappointed we couldn't trial the idea, as it seemed to create some genuine public interest,” says Peter.

'We put forward the idea as we had listened to our consumers when they tell us going to watch live sport can be costly.

'The BYO alcohol was only part of our strategy, and we are still pleased that the other aspects that we focused on are still in play – patrons can still bring their umbrellas for shade, food, and non-alcoholic drinks of any quantities.

'We respect the police view on the matter as we always have. We're happy to cooperate with them and, above all, we want to be seen to be operating in a lawful and responsible manner.”

The plan was also originally in place for the Knights' follow-up fixture versus Otago Volts on Sunday, January 4, but that has also been dismissed by the authorities.

Western Bay of Plenty Police acting Area Commander Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair says: 'As a result of an approach from the organisers, police staff had acted in good faith when they provided the initial advice.

'Alcohol at these events is normally sold through a special licence and on this occasion one had not been processed within normal timeframes.

'We understand Northern Districts' desire to make the option available when they chose to promote the trial.

'We have re-assessed the initial advice given and have advised Northern Districts that this trial, for these matches, would have likely breached alcohol-related laws.

'We have now worked with the interested parties to ensure alcohol can be sold in a safe and controlled manner under the provisions of a special licence.”