Supporting communities  |  16 Dec 2019

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Christchurch City Council is seeking public feedback on its proposal to introduce a new permanent alcohol ban for rugby league fields and adjoining areas.

The proposed alcohol ban follows the success of a temporary ban introduced by the Council for the 2019 league season.

Canterbury Rugby League called for a ban in 2018, saying that local clubs had been dealing with ongoing problems caused by supporters drinking on the sidelines during games. At that time 11 out of 16 clubs reported that alcohol-related problems occurred on a weekly basis.

The permanent ban the Council is proposing will apply while the fields are in use for rugby league, from 3pm to 8.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays, from April to August of each year. 

The ban will also apply to adjoining public areas such as carparks, changing areas, walkways and playgrounds.

The ban will prohibit the consumption and possession of alcohol in those areas during the times the ban applies.  The ban does not apply to licensed premises such as clubrooms.

The deadline for public submissions on the proposed ban is Monday 20 January 2020.

You can give your feedback via Have Your Say.