A popular tourist destination has taken the decision to ban drinking outdoors. From October, it will be forbidden to consume alcohol in public places or on the streets in the iconic Shibuya City, a self-governed district of Japan’s capital Tokyo, between 6pm and 5am.
The latest move isn’t the first time restrictions have been applied in the Shibuya district. CNN Travel reported that Halloween celebrations were banned last year and restrictions on drinking alcohol outside were part of those measures which proved popular with local people. Mayor Ken Hasebe stressed that while they were not banning drinking, they would prefer to see people consume alcohol inside.
He said: “By establishing the rule, we would like to convey the district’s intentions, including during patrols — we would prefer people to enjoy their drinks inside restaurants.” There has also been a drive to reduce the impact of over tourism on Shibuya and Tokyo as a whole.
