The Otago University Students Association has criticised the Dunedin City Council for opting not to organise an event for students on June 19 to take the focus off the night the Gardens Tavern shuts its doors.
OUSA president Harriet Geoghegan applauded individual councillors who voted to investigate organising an alternative event, when the matter was considered at Monday's full council meeting.
The move was defeated by one vote.
Measures such as a temporary liquor ban and increased police presence had failed to prevent behaviour problems previously, or had antagonised the situation, Miss Geoghegan said.
"The fact that people are flying from out of town for this event suggests it is not just an issue for students, but for the image of the city as a whole."
She urged the council to reconsider the matter.
The OUSA would work with the council to organise an alternative event, she said.