Tokyo’s Shibuya to ban street drinking during Halloween

May 14, 2019

Tokyo--Tokyo's Shibuya Ward plans to ban the consumption of alcohol in streets and parks near Shibuya Station during the Halloween period, officials said.

A related ordinance will be submitted to the ward assembly in June, and the ward aims to enforce the ban as early as this autumn.

In response to clutter and chaos in busy areas during Halloween, the ward called on stores near the station to refrain from selling bottled alcoholic drinks during last year's celebration.

However, a series of disorderly incidents occurred, including a case in which several men overturned a light truck on the Center-gai shopping street on the weekend before Oct. 31.

In February, the ward established an advisory committee of shop owners, tourist association officials and others to discuss ways to address the situation.

The ward will consider details of the planned ordinance, including the duration of the ban and which areas it should cover, after the committee submits a report on Wednesday. Jiji Press