Here’s what Riccarton and Ilam’s permanent alcohol ban actually means

Hagley Park in Christchurch on a sunny day. Source: Luca Peng on Unsplash.  

Going hand in hand with the typical university experience, alcohol is used by many. But, what many students, especially those living in the area may not realise is that there is a strict alcohol policy hovering over Riccarton and Ilam.  

The area is under a permanent alcohol ban, meaning it is prohibited to consume alcohol and possess open vessels in public areas, including places like footpaths, roads, and carparks.  

The ban does not apply to private areas such as houses, and one can carry unopened vessels through the area. 

Christchurch City Council’s (CCC) Head of Strategic Policy and Resilience David Griffiths explained the strict policy: “Riccarton [and] Ilam area has a long history of issues and impacts caused by alcohol consumption,” Griffiths said.   

“Police reported that during university semesters, partying and preloading on streets and in public places happens in the area more than in any other area of Christchurch.”  

Source: Eeshan Garg on Unsplash.  

Griffiths said the city council evaluated factors including alcohol littering, public intoxication, and serious offenses like property damage, violence, the number of police callouts and more when considering and constructing the policy for the area.  

Griffiths said the number of police callouts in the area increased by 51% in 2017, compared to 2013.  

With such strict rules as to what is and what is not prohibited, a clear understanding is needed in terms of what the enforcement and punishment of breaching the ban looks like. 

Only the police are authorised to enforce these rules, while also holding the right to impose a variety of punishments. Griffiths outlined these punishments to Canta, which vary drastically in severity.  

The police can issue warnings and direct those to tip or remove any open vessels of alcohol in the area to far more serious consequences, such as giving out a $250 dollar fine, and even arrest those as they see fit.  

Because of the steep penalties that students can face, UCSA President Luc MacKay said that students must strive to consider the decisions they make while on a night out. 

“I think there is ample information out there around the Riccarton-Ilam alcohol ban and most students are aware of it. We regularly inform people about the alcohol bans through our social media,” MacKay said. 

“Compliance is a totally different issue altogether. People make poor decisions under the influence, and this certainly isn't limited to following the alcohol bans.”  

Simply being aware of these rules is the best antidote for avoiding a punishment, Griffiths said, as well as not drawing the attention of the police, or community by acting in a disorderly or antisocial way.