For New Years Eve celebrations in New Zealand, a group of locals came up with a crafty idea to try and get around the booze ban in the area.

Residents decided to go out when the tide was out and build a makeshift island out of sand, with a picnic table and ice boxes on top.

Once the tide rolled back in, they got up on the table and enjoyed some drinks with the fireworks display.

The ban that they were trying to avoid was in force for anyone caught drinking in public during the holiday period, and that ban included a fine of around $180 US and could include arrest.

Locals joked that they were in international waters and therefore the ban voided.

The structure lasted all day, with the group enjoying their New Years Eve festivities from their new island, drinks and all. It's reported that the structure was still even there the following day.

Even the police thought the whole thing was a bit humorous. Inspector John Kelly joked that had he known about it, perhaps he would have joined them out on the island. He noted that their efforts were truly creative.

The photos of the group were posted to Facebook and have since gone viral. A community organizer from the area says that the controversial ban on drinking hadn't been working and was simply resulting in too many arrests.

Police have limited resources and surely there are more pressing matters for them to tend to than wrestling with drunk teens or adults on New Years Eve. People shouldn't have their freedom restricted or taken away when they haven't done anything wrong or caused any problem; violated the property rights of any other person.

Pics:
via Facebook / Gq.com
David Saunders via BBC

Sources:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42533927
https://www.gq.com/story/heroic-new-zealanders-evade-local-alcohol-ban-by-building-sand-island-in-international-waters