Venice, Tokyo, Strasbourg or Lyon: watch out for alcohol bans on New Year’s Eve

For New Year’s Eve, cities also restricted the sale of fireworks and closed busy areas.

As a safety measure, Venice has banned the consumption of alcohol on New Year’s Eve in public spaces.

It thus joins other cities around the world which have implemented repressive measures concerning transport or the consumption of drinks in public places.

The canal city also restricted the sale of alcohol in stores and bars.

Here’s what travelers need to know about the rules around drinking during the holiday season.

Venice bans alcohol on New Year’s Eve

Venice introduced a ban on carrying or consuming drinks in glass containers – alcoholic or not – in public places to mark the New Year.

This ban applies from December 31 at 7 p.m. to January 1 at 6 a.m.

The sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in glass bottles, closed cans or capped plastic bottles is also prohibited during the same period. This ban applies to bars and restaurants, even those with an outdoor terrace.

It is also prohibited to carry pepper spray. Violators face fines ranging from 25 to 500 euros.

The mayor of VeniceLuigi Brugnaro, cited reasons of security and public order to justify the adoption of this ordinance.

Tokyo’s Shibuya district bans alcohol, cancels New Year’s celebrations

Shibuya and Shinjuku, two of Japan’s liveliest nightlife districts Tokyointroduced restrictions on large gatherings and public alcohol consumption over Halloween.

Today, Shibuya extended the ban on drinking in public places all year round – including during the holiday season – from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.

This measure aims to reduce turbulent behavior in this area, which is very popular with partygoers.

The district also announced the cancellation of its famous anniversary celebrations. New Year’s Eve.

Since 2020, the iconic countdown to Scramble Crossing (or carrefour Hachikō) Shibuya has been suspended amid concerns the crowds – which numbered some 120,000 people in 2018 – could become a security issue.

Temporary barriers will be erected around the statue of Hachikō – a dog remembered for its loyalty to its master – from December 31 to January 1 at 1 a.m.

The sale of alcohol in stores was also temporarily suspended for the New Year.

Strasbourg bans alcohol and introduces New Year’s curfew

The French town of Strasbourg banned the sale and consumption of alcohol on public roads from December 31 at noon to January 1 at noon.

A curfew is also established for people under 16 years of age unaccompanied by a “parent or a representative of parental authority” between 10 p.m. on December 31 and 6 a.m. on January 1.