In an effort to curb public drinking issues in the vibrant Shibuya district, local authorities in Tokyo have implemented a year-round ban on street drinking, marking a first for metropolitan areas in Japan. The Shibuya Ward Office recently introduced this ban, following an increase in alcohol-related disturbances among both tourists and young people, especially around the Shibuya Station.
According to a report by NHK, the situation escalated after COVID-19 was downgraded to an “Category 5” status in Japan in 2023. This change led to a noticeable rise in street drinking, which has been accompanied by littering and frequent incidents of rowdy behavior.
To address these concerns, the Shibuya City Council approved a legislative amendment in June of this year, extending the previously seasonal alcohol prohibition during Halloween and New Year’s Eve to a permanent regulation throughout the year.
Under the newly enacted guidelines, public drinking is now prohibited daily from 6 PM to 5 AM in popular areas surrounding Shibuya Station and public parks. However, while the ban applies to various locations including around the Shibuya Ward Office and the eastern side of Miyashita Park, individuals caught violating the ban will not face fines.
A spokesperson from the Shibuya Ward Office noted, “We have long encouraged people not to drink on the streets, and now we can refer to this regulation to guide those who do not comply. We hope this will help in reducing street drinking incidents.”
