Venice, Tokyo, Strasbourg: Watch out for alcohol bans on New Year’s Eve in these cities

01.01.2025 - 05:47 / euronews.com / Rebecca Ann Hughes / Luigi Brugnaro

Venice has introduced a ban on alcohol consumption on New Year’s Eve as a safety measure.

It joins other cities around the world that have trialled crackdowns on carrying or consuming drinks in public places.

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

Here’s what travellers need to know about the rules around drinking during end-of-year celebrations.

Venice has brought in a ban on carrying or consuming drinks in glass containers - both alcoholic and not - in public places over the New Year.

The restriction is in place from 7pm on 31 December to 6am on 1 January.

The sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in glass bottles, closed cans, or capped plastic bottles has also been prohibited over the same period. This includes bars and restaurants - even those with outdoor terraces.

People are also forbidden from carrying pepper spray. Those found violating the rules face fines of between €25 and €500.

Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro has cited safety and public order concerns as his reasons for bringing in the ordinance.

Shibuya and Shinjuku, two of Tokyo’s busiest nightlife districts, introduced restrictions on big gatherings and public drinking over Halloween.

Now, Shibuya has extended the ban on drinking in public places all year round - including over the festive period - from 6pm to 5am.

The crackdown aims to curb rowdy behaviour in the popular party zone.

The district has also announced that its renowned New Year’s Eve celebrations are cancelled.

Since 2020, the iconic countdown at Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing has been suspended over concerns that the crowds - which numbered some 120,000 in 2018 - could become a safety issue.

There will also be temporary barriers erected around the statue of Hachiko - a dog remembered for his loyalty to his owner - from 31 December to 1am on 1 January.

Sales of alcohol in shops have also been suspended temporarily over the New Year.

The French city of Strasbourg has banned the sale and consumption of alcohol in public streets from 12pm on 31 December to 12pm on 1 January.

There is also a curfew for those under the age of 16 not accompanied by a ‘parent or representative of parental authority’ between 10pm on 31 December and 6am on 1 January.

Lyon has also restricted the consumption of alcohol in public streets from 5pm on 31 December to 11am on 1 January.

The sale of alcohol is banned between 8pm on 31 December and 9am on 1 January.

The sale, purchase, possession and transportation of fireworks is prohibited from 6am on 30 December to 6am on 3 January.