Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward has decided to ban street drinking during the Halloween period in the popular Kabukicho entertainment district and nearby areas.
The ward assembly unanimously approved on Friday an ordinance to ban such drinking. The decision follows a similar move of last year in neighboring Shibuya Ward.
Shinjuku officials say the ban in Shibuya prompted many people, including tourists, to visit the Kabukicho area during last year’s Halloween period, causing an increase of garbage on the streets.
Shinjuku’s ordinance bans street drinking from early evening on October 31 through the next morning, as well as during other periods deemed necessary by the ward mayor. The zones to be targeted will be some areas of Kabukicho and nearby districts.
The officials plan to patrol the restricted areas to instruct people not to drink during the period, and request stores not to sell alcoholic beverages.
They say they will determine specific areas and hours for the restrictions and announce the information on the ward’s website.