Christchurch City Council propose alcohol ban for large events at QEII

Christchurch City Council has advised it is considering amending its Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw to provide an alcohol ban for QEII park and its surrounding area, specifically during large-scale events.

The request, raised by the community, would amend Schedule 2 of the Bylaw to include QEII as a ‘large-scale event alcohol ban area’.

The ban would apply from 12.00am – 11:59pm on the day of any designated event within the area bounded by Ascot Avenue, Bower Avenue, Travis Road, Frosts Road and Beach Road.

Head of Strategic Policy and Resilience David Griffiths notes “the proposed ban would be consistent with other Christchurch event venues that host large scale events, such as Hagley Park.

“The ban would aim to limit antisocial behaviour in public places surrounding the venue on the days where there are large events.”

Event providers can still apply for special licenses to serve alcohol at these events.

Griffiths adds “we’ve heard from stakeholders including Christchurch School of Gymnastics, Taiora QEII, Children’s Christmas Parade Trust, and Avonside Girls and Shirley Boys’ High Schools who all support the proposal.”

The Council will make a decision on the proposal on 12th December 2023. If approved, the bylaw amendment would take effect on 18th December 2023.

Council invite comment on the proposed ban by 30th October.