In Shinjuku, officials said the aim of the ban was to prevent excessive crowding and having to clear up mountains of street litter. Shinjuku Mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi revealed the plan during a Feb. 2 news conference. The ward intends to propose the ordinance to the ward assembly in the new fiscal year starting in April. Ward officials noticed a surge in visitors to the already teeming Kabukicho area last Halloween. Shibuya Ward enacted an ordinance in 2019 to prohibit drinking in the streets around Shibuya Station on Halloween. The ward has also sought to suspend sales of alcohol in some areas. Taking this as a reference, Shinjuku Ward plans to discuss the draft ordinance with local shopping districts.