Where’s the Line? BYO Culture and Student Behavior Under the Spotlight

Image by Chuttersnap on Unsplash.

A night out at a Bring Your Own Alcohol (BYO) restaurant is a student staple – cheap corkage, shared meals, and a lively atmosphere before heading to a gig, flat party or town.

The appeal is obvious: it’s affordable, social and gives students a chance to enjoy a night out without the big price tag.

But recent events have sparked questions about whether BYO culture has gone too far.

Earlier this month, a UC Rowing club BYO at a central Christchurch restaurant ended with one member allegedly throwing a lobster across the venue.

The club has acknowledged the incident and issued a public apology on social media.

UCSA President Luc MacKay said the majority of students behave well at BYO’s, which can add “ambience and liveliness” to venues.

But he emphasised the importance of being mindful in public spaces.

“When you’re in a restaurant where there are families and people from all walks of life, it’s important to keep things respectful and be a good member of society.”

“Just don’t be a dick.”

Image by Isla Melton.

Under the UCSA Clubs’ Code of Conduct, affiliated clubs must avoid bringing the UCSA into disrepute.

While clubs are self-governing, the UCSA can guide them on best practice and, in serious cases, review their affiliation status.

It does not fund alcohol through club grants.

Popular BYO spots say student groups can bring both energy and headaches.

La Porchetta’s restaurant manager Lolong Reforial said most groups follow the rules, but some push boundaries, bringing extra alcohol, sneaking RTDs into the toilets, or getting too rowdy.

“If complaints come in from guests, we’ll warn them, and if behavior continues, we’ll kick them out,” Reforial said.

Hello Vietnam waitress Mai Torn said they see “lots of UC groups every week, particularly in the weekend” and keep limits in place with a $8.50 corkage per person, main meals required and often one bottle of wine for two people.

Christchurch BYO culture is thriving, particularly in Riccarton, Ilam and central city precincts where restaurants market directly to students.

For many, BYO’s remain a fun and affordable way to socialize. But when alcohol mixes with large groups, the line between light-hearted fun and disruptive behaviour can blur.

MacKay’s message to students is simple: enjoy yourselves but remember you’re representing more than just your friend group.

“It’s important for students to have good avenues for socialisation and connection, but those events shouldn’t disrupt or put members of the community in a state of discomfort.”

In other words: don’t be the one who ruins it for everyone.