A permanent alcohol ban for rugby league playing fields has been backed by Christchurch City Council.
Councillors agreed at a meeting on Thursday that the ban, recommended by a hearings panel last month, should go ahead.
It will be introduced this year for rugby league fields and adjoining areas, such as playgrounds and car parks, while they are in use for the sport from April to August.
A temporary alcohol ban was introduced by the council in a trial last year after a request from Canterbury Rugby League.
The CRL said it had been dealing with alcohol-related problems on the sidelines. It found the temporary ban helpful, leading to positive changes in behaviour and making the fields more family-friendly.
Community consultation on the proposed Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw amendment to allow a permanent ban received majority support from councillors, the Canterbury District Health Board, Sport Canterbury and the the Accident Compensation Corporation.
