New liquor bans in place

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.

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 new rules have been introduced under the Christchurch City Liquor Control Bylaw, which was passed into law by the Christchurch City Council on 1 July.

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

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

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 centralcity ban be extended from the existing period (7pm-8am Wednesday to Sunday) due to increasing problems of disorder outside these periods.

It was therefore considered that the ban should be extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week to cover problems that occur at night and occasionally during daytime hours.

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

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 St South Liquor Ban Area:

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.

• For more infomation: Christchurch City Liquor Control Bylaw 2004