Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward has announced a ban on drinking on the streets of Kabukicho and nearby areas during the coming Halloween period this year.
The restrictions will be in effect between 5 PM on October 31 and 5 AM the following day. Officials say event venues in the designated areas will be closed.
During last year’s Halloween festivities, the streets in and around Kabukicho were flooded with tourists, who left behind trash. Neighboring Shibuya Ward had banned drinking on the street during the same period, while Kabukicho had not.
Following the disturbance, the Shinjuku Ward Assembly adopted an ordinance in June banning drinking during the Halloween period.
The ward says it will send officials to patrol the areas to make sure the ban is enforced. Ward officials say they will ask retailers in the areas to refrain from selling alcoholic beverages during the Halloween period.
Shinjuku Mayor Yoshizumi Kenichi said he has no problem with people enjoying their time inside eateries.
The mayor said he doesn’t want them to raise a ruckus outside, leave behind litter or destroy property.