Code of conduct for students after street riots

A code of conduct for Otago University students has been endorsed and a proposed ban on some stores near the campus selling bottles, is being discussed in an attempt to control student behaviour.

Police called in to stop rioting in the heart of the student flatting area in Castle Street this month were confronted with bottle-throwing and couch-burning drunken students.

The riots ended with more than 50 arrests.

The University of Otago senate met yesterday and endorsed the code in a closed-door debate.

The specifics for the code have been kept secret but it is expected to allow the university to take a tough stance on student behaviour off campus. The Otago University Students Association said today while it did not back the code, it welcomed a proposed ban of selling bottled bear in public in parts of Dunedin.

Association president Paul Chong said the ban was a logical step.

"My thoughts are that banning the sale of glass bottles in North Dunedin is a positive step to curbing some of the issues with broken glass and issues with bottle disposal in that area."

Some bottle storeowners said they relied on the custom of students and would fight the proposed ban.

- NZPA