Consultation has now closed
Consultation on the proposed alcohol ban at QEII park for events has now closed. People were able to provide feedback from 16 October - 6 November 2023.
During this time, we heard from 48 individuals and groups. You can read their feedback and how it influenced the Council decision.
The Bylaw amendment took affect on Monday 18 December 2023.
Background
Christchurch City Council is considering amending its Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw to provide for an alcohol ban at QEII park and the surrounding area, specifically during large scale events. While event providers can still apply for special licenses to serve alcohol at these events, this would aim to limit antisocial behaviour in non-licensed areas and the surrounding area on event days.
An alcohol ban is one of the tools the Council may use to address alcohol-related issues caused by people drinking in public places. It prohibits anyone from drinking alcohol or carrying open alcohol containers in public places within the specified ban area. The Police are responsible for enforcing alcohol bans and can issue an ‘instant fine’ of $250 to an individual breaching the ban.
This proposal
This proposal is to amend Schedule 2 of the Bylaw to include QEII as a “large-scale event alcohol ban area”.
This ban would be consistent with other Ōtautahi event venues that host large scale events, such as Hagley Park and Rawhiti Domain. This will ensure the park area and surrounds are safer for the community during event days, with some additional measures including signage and security.
The proposal is for an alcohol ban, which would apply from 12.00am-11.59pm on the day of a large scale event, in the area bounded by the following roads (both sides):
- Ascot Avenue
- Bower Avenue
- Travis Road
- Frosts Road
- Beach Road
The particular events it applies to are determined on a case by case basis.
The Police who are responsible for enforcing alcohol bans, support an alcohol ban for this area, and have provided evidence of alcohol-related incidents in the area. Stakeholders including Christchurch School of Gymnastics, Taiora QEII, Children’s Christmas Parade Trust, and Avonside Girls and Shirley Boys’ High Schools also support this proposal.
The Council is likely to make the decision on an alcohol ban on December 12th 2023. If approved, the bylaw amendment would take effect on 18 December 2023.
