The Dunedin City Council is looking at a possible ban to tackle broken glass in its student quarter. The proposed policy could remove glass bottles entirely from alcohol stores near the university and polytechnic, aiming to mitigate the long-term issue of shattered glass on local streets.
Why is Dunedin considering a ban on glass bottles?
The Dunedin City Council is seeking legal advice on implementing a possible ban to remove glass bottles from alcohol stores located near the university and polytechnic. This move follows decades of shattered glass littering the streets of the city’s student flats.
While a glass ban had been raised in past council reviews, it had never been included due to practical and legal issues. The council is currently seeking legal advice to determine if such a ban can be successfully enforced.
What impact does broken glass have on the community?
Broken glass has caused physical injuries to residents and property damage to vehicles in the area. Dunedin city councillor Lee Vandervis reported that staff working at the hospital’s Emergency Department had encountered many people coming in with “quite serious damage to their feet” due to broken glass.
The issue also affects motorists and cyclists. Liam Davies, of the tyre shop Treads Dunedin, stated his son had to have several tyres replaced over the years after living on Hyde St, which he described as a “really, really bad area for glass.”
How has the student body attempted to manage the issue?
The Otago University Students’ Association has implemented ways to tackle the issue, including banning alcohol in glass bottles at events, running street cleans, and asking students not to buy glass vessels.
However, Daniel Leamy noted that retail layouts often work against these efforts. According to Leamy, bottle shop owners themselves encourage students to buy cans but keep the bottles at the back, which encourages students to purchase glass.
Leamy has also noted that the association has requested assistance from local liquor stores to help shift consumer behavior toward safer alternatives.
What obstacles could prevent the policy from working?
Several legal and practical hurdles could stall the implementation of a ban. Bottle store owners told 1News that some products are only available in glass bottles. Additionally, a ban could conflict with franchising and advertising agreements.
There is also the concern of consumer circumvention. Leamy suggested that a local ban might not stop people from going to the supermarket, which is an extra block away, to purchase bottles if they choose to do so.
Comparing current measures and proposed changes
| Measure | Type | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|
| Street cleans & event bans | Voluntary/Student-led | Otago University Students’ Association |
| Store-wide glass ban | Proposed/Regulatory | Dunedin City Council |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where would the glass ban apply?
The proposed ban would target alcohol stores near the university and polytechnic.
Is the ban currently in effect?
No. The alcohol policy was still being drafted, and the council is currently seeking legal advice on its implementation.
Will this stop all glass in the student quarter?
Not necessarily. Daniel Leamy noted that drinkers could shop elsewhere to circumvent the ban, such as at a supermarket an extra block away.
Join the conversation: Do you believe a glass ban is the right solution for Dunedin’s student quarter? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more local news updates.
