Do Dunedin's Octagon bars need a dress code?

All 11 licensed premises in the area have banded together to try to clean up the bar scene.

If a patron breaks the rules, they will be banned from all bars for at least 24 hours.

A permanent ban could result from continued bad behaviour.

Lower Octagon Licensed Forum spokesman Richard McLeod said at the weekend that Dunedin, like anywhere else, had issues from time to time, but the bars wanted to turn this around.

“We are trying to set reasonable standards, so that everyone can enjoy a night out in a safe environment, and violence or repeated unacceptable behaviour will result in a permanent ban,” he said.

Mr McLeod told media he didn’t want the area’s good reputation tarnished by louts.

Radio communication between bouncers will keep each other informed about trouble makers.

Critics of the new rules say they encourage more drinking on the streets and a dress code won’t necessarily change behaviour.

Forum members, along with retailers, have put in an application to the Dunedin City Council for a trial weekend closure to traffic in the Lower Octagon during this summer.

A weekly Thursday promotion between all venues, which will include entertainment, complimentary food and free taxi ride home, is expected to attract more patrons during the summer months.

Will tightening up the dress code in Dunedin bars improve the behaviour of patrons? Or will it just encourage people to drink in the streets? Have your say below.