Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith has cancelled the annual Police sherry party because he believes the boozy bash will send out the wrong message, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The New Year's Day party at Police headquarters at Prospect is a major social event attended by hundreds of leading figures in the community.

But with taxis difficult to get on New Year's Day, it is feared many of those who attend may end up drinking and driving.

The Commissioner said Police have teamed up with a number of organisations to prevent the use of drugs and misuse of alcohol, and he wanted to avoid confusing the public by holding a drinks party.

A Police statement issued to The Royal Gazette yesterday read: “The Commissioner believed that the hosting of a sherry party was inconsistent with the Bermuda Police Service's partnerships with various organisations and he wished to avoid sending a mixed message on the use of drugs and alcohol to the community.

“The Commissioner and the Police Service will host an appropriate event to thank the many supporters of the Police Service later in the year.”