Temporary alcohol ban comes into effect in February

A temporary alcohol ban for an area of Upper Riccarton and Ilam will come into effect on 1 February 2014.

“There was a temporary ban in place in the second half of last year which ended in December. With students departing, it made sense to time this new temporary ban to coincide with the return of tertiary students and orientation activities,” says Regulation and Consents Committee chairman David East.

The restriction area extends on to the permanent alcohol ban area in Riccarton and Ilam. The temporary ban covers an area bounded by Peer Street, Waimairi Road, Maidstone Road, Avonhead Road and Yaldhurst Road.

Christchurch City Council approved the temporary ban in November. It will start on 1 February 2014 and runs until the end of 31 August 2014.

The ban means people can not drink in public places, or carry an open bottle or can containing alcohol in public places.

“Under terms of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 which came into force in December, the temporary ban applies to public spaces and not just those under Council control. This includes some public areas in private ownership such as car parks,” says Strategic Policy Unit Manager Alan Bywater.
“The ban applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and anyone found to breach the ban is liable to an instant fine of $250.”

The Council plans to review the permanent alcohol ban in Riccarton and Ilam with a view to expanding it to include the temporary ban area.

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