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Shibuya Ward implemented an ordinance prohibiting street drinking year-round, effective October 1st, 2024. This ordinance amendment was enacted in response to the increasing problems associated with street drinking around Shibuya Station.
Key Points of the Ordinance
- Prohibition Period: Applicable year-round
- Prohibited Hours: Daily from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning
- Target Area: Wide area around Shibuya Station (including Shibuya Center Street, Miyamasuzaka, Maruyama-cho, etc.)
- Penalties: None (effectiveness ensured through security guard patrols)
Background
The ordinance amendment was driven by several factors:
- Increase in street drinking, particularly among foreign tourists, since COVID-19 was reclassified as a Class 5 disease in May 2023.
- Escalation of issues such as littering of empty cans, noise pollution, and obstruction of pedestrian traffic.
- The riot-like incident that occurred during Halloween in 2018.
Expected Effects and Challenges
Shibuya Ward aims to curb street drinking and address related issues through this ordinance. However, the lack of penalty provisions may pose challenges in ensuring its effectiveness.
Impact on Other Areas
This ordinance marks the first nationwide attempt to prohibit street drinking year-round in an urban area. Neighboring municipalities, such as Shinjuku Ward, facing similar issues, are closely monitoring the effects of Shibuya’s initiative. Shibuya Ward’s ordinance amendment is drawing attention as a concrete measure against the increasing street drinking and its associated problems. The effectiveness of this ordinance and its potential influence on other regions will be closely watched in the coming months.