We are proposing a new permanent alcohol ban for rugby league playing fields and adjoining areas, to minimise the potential for alcohol-related offensive behaviour, to protect public safety and to create a friendlier environment during games.
Project status: Decision made
Open for feedback: 13 December 2019 to 27 January 2020
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Consultation has now closed
Consultation on a new permanent alcohol ban area for rugby league fields has now closed. People were able to provide feedback from 13 December to 27 January, 2020.
During this time we heard from 25 individuals and groups. You can read their feedback and the analysis of all submissions as part of the Hearings report when it becomes available on the 20 February Hearing Agenda.
The proposed alcohol ban follows the success of a temporary ban introduced by Christchurch City 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.
Canterbury Rugby League, supported by their Clubs, have requested that Council make the temporary alcohol ban that has been so successful during the 2019 Rugby League season a permanent ban. This is an example of the social responsibility being shown by both the Regional Sports Organisation and the Clubs to ensure Rugby League is more than just a game. The ban in 2019 resulted in zero incidents with more people from the league community enjoying hospitality in the clubrooms after the games. All reports have been of a positive nature and rugby league is setting the standard among all sports in taking a stand against antisocial behaviour.
The ban 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, and to
- adjoining public areas such as carparks, changing areas, walkways and playgrounds.
The ban will prohibit the consumption and possession of alcohol in the public places of the alcohol ban area during the times the ban applies. The ban does not apply to licensed premises such as clubrooms.
The police are empowered to enforce an alcohol ban. A breach of an alcohol ban area is an offence and may result in an instant fine of $250.
You can view the current Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw 2018(external link).