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Shibuya Officials Hope to Alleviate Halloween Crime with Alcohol Ordinance

Shibuya has become party central for ghost, ghouls, and costumed revelry on Halloween. The celebration has become enormous over the last few years and with it an increase in vandalism and littering. Last year things got so wild that multiple individuals were arrested for overturning a truck.

Authorities are hoping to deter drunken antics this year by implementing an area-wide drinking ban on the streets and in parks on Halloween. Essentially it looks like authorities want to ban public drinking; party-goers could still drink in bars or other establishments but not out in the open. Officials held a meeting to discuss options and released an interim report on May 13. The new ordinance will be introduced at the Shibuya ward assembly next month to have the policy ready before Halloween. Officials are also considering expanding the policy for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Shibuya police charged 10 men, some Japanese citizens and others hailing from France, Belgium, and Britain, for overturning a truck during the Halloween celebrations. The suspects allegedly damaged a truck and some suspects were arrested and others fined.

Source: Nippon News 24 via Otakomu