Cook Islands Police detained five drivers for drunk driving, the highest number in a single night, and are investigating the Rarotonga Golf Club for serving alcohol after hours.

Five drivers were detained by Cook Islands Police early Sunday morning after failing the breathalyser test and exceeding the legal alcohol limit.

All five drivers were tested for alcohol consumption during a traffic enforcement check-point outside Police Headquarters in town. The checkpoint was staged between midnight and 1am Sunday morning.

According to Trevor Pitt, police media and strategic advisor, “the five drivers were just individuals picked up during a checkpoint in town outside of HQ”.

Pitt said many drivers were continuing to avoid police checkpoints by turning around and driving away in another direction.

“Too scared to front up at a checkpoint. Cowardly, irresponsible behaviour.” Pitt told Cook Islands News.

These five individual arrests represent the highest number of drunk driving arrests in a single night

“It was the worst record of drunk driving arrests in one night but a good result for the Police in upholding a priority on road safety,” police said in a statement.

Police also issued 20 minor infringement notices to drivers during the weekend and two people had their vehicles taken off them.

Pitt reported a noise complaint against the Rarotonga Golf Club, leading to the discovery of a significant number of individuals consuming alcohol there after closing hours on Saturday night.

He said Police intend to investigate the situation further to ascertain the appropriate course of action.

“The Golf Club investigation should shed light on the actions of the club and bar manager in terms of their license obligations, particularly the hours of operating and the customers, who remained on the premises beyond those limits,” Pitt said.

“Police reported at least 19 people on site.”

The other weekend incidents included one theft report and domestic disturbance.

There were no crashes but one person reported damage to a vehicle on Saturday night, which appeared to have been “sideswiped” while parked.

“The drinking culture in our community runs deep, and right through the road environment. Far too many drivers fail to separate drinking and driving despite the messaging, the obvious risks, and ongoing crashes that causes fatalities and serious injuries.”