New Christchurch liquor bans take effect today

Christchurch’s downtown public drinking ban has been extended to the foot of the Port Hills and is now in force at all times rather than just on weekends.

The extended ban will be enforced as part of the new Christchurch City Liquor Control Bylaw, which was signed off today by the Christchurch City Council.

From today, drinking in public is also now banned along the Sumner Esplanade from 7pm, Thursday until 7pm Sunday and at Spencer Park on New Year’s Eve.

The aim of the bylaw is to assist in reducing crime related to drinking in public places and to improve perceptions of public safety.

While it is hoped that compliance will be mostly achieved by education, Christchurch Police will enforce the bylaw.

During public consultation on the bylaw, the Police asked that the existing central city ban be extended due to increasing problems with disorder outside the hours and scope of the ban. The ban has been extended into South Christchurch and hours have been increased to 24 hours a day, seven days a week to cover problems that occur in this area at night and occasionally during daytime hours.

A liquor ban has also been introduced along the Sumner Esplanade to assist in preventing crime and disorder associated with drinking in public in this area. Without the new bylaw, it would not have been possible to apply a liquor ban to Spencer Park on New Year’s Eve.

In the next few weeks there will be a publicity campaign to inform Christchurch residents and visitors of the new liquor ban areas and hours. New signage will also be erected in the areas where drinking in public is prohibited

During consultation on the new bylaw, a number of Ilam residents came to the Council seeking a liquor ban in the area around Canterbury University. At today’s meeting, councillors committed themselves to ongoing discussion with these residents

Liquor Ban Areas A. The Central City Liquor Ban Area: Bounded by Bealey, Fitzgerald, Moorhouse, Hagley, Rolleston Avenues and Park Terrace. Ban applies 24 hours, seven days a week

B. Colombo Street South Liquor Ban Area: See map. Ban applies 24 hours, seven days a week

C. The Esplanade Sumner Liquor Ban Area: Bounded by the southern side of the Esplanade from Marriner Street to the breakwater beyond Lifeboat Slipway on Scarborough Road and extending to the seaward boundary of the Council District and including Scarborough Park, Heberden Avenue to the Sumner Boat Ramp. Ban applies 7pm Thursday – 7pm Sunday.

D. The Spencer Park Liquor Ban Area: All that part of Spencer Park situated on the southern side of Heyders Road, commencing from 71 Heyders Road, Spencerville and continuing to the beach access and including car parking areas. Ban applies 8.30pm, 31 December – 6am, 1 January.

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