Starting in October, the Shibuya Ward in Tokyo will implement a new ban on drinking in public areas at night, expanding on existing restrictions that are currently in place only during specific periods like Halloween and New Year’s.
The local assembly has unanimously passed a revised ordinance to support this initiative. Specific details such as the designated hours and locations for this ban are yet to be finalized by the ward, although they are considering applying the restriction between 6pm and 5am.
Previously in June 2019, Shibuya had already put in place rules prohibiting alcohol consumption in certain areas, such as near JR Shibuya Station, during major events like Halloween and the year-end holidays, citing issues caused by large groups of revelers. Similarly, in Shinjuku Ward, a proposal for a new ordinance has been presented to the local assembly to prohibit public drinking during Halloween around the Kabukicho entertainment and red light district.
