A trial of the service of full-strength alcohol beer at Western Sydney stadiums kicked off this weekend at CommBank Stadium.
The trial will be in place for a six-month period at all NRL, NRLW and A-Leagues matches at CommBank Stadium, Accor Stadium and at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
CommBank Stadium hosted three matches this weekend, starting with the Panthers-Roosters NRL clash on Friday night, Western Sydney Wanderers-Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and the Parramatta Eels-Wests Tigers this afternoon.
Under the trial, fans in general public areas will now have access to full-strength, mid-strength, light and zero alcohol options.
The success of the trial will be determined following consultation with NSW Police, liquor authorities, sport and entertainment partners and feedback from fans, said Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper.
“For too long there has been a disparity in how sports fans in the West are treated, compared to those in the East,” said Mr Kamper.
“Yesterday we announced that you can now get free public transport to games at CommBank, and today we are once again making full-strength beer available to those in the West and the Hunter.
“We recognise that fans have been calling for this for a while and we’re excited to see this trial in place from Friday.”
Venues NSW and NSW Police will work closely to ensure the responsible service of alcohol, as has always been the case for event days, said the Minister.
Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby said the decision to trial full-strength beer brings equity between city dwellers and those in the surrounding suburbs.
“This decision is not about encouraging people to ‘get on the beers’, it recognises everyone, whether they are in the Eastern Suburbs, Western Sydney or Newcastle, can be equally responsible in their consumption of alcohol,” said Mr Kirby.
“I congratulate Minister Kamper for bringing fairness and equality back for sporting fans by putting an end to the beer war between the East and West, recognising all of us as responsible adults.
“The selection of beer offered should not be restricted by where you are going to watch the footy. This is a great decision by Minister Kamper to bring back equality in our sporting venues.”
Fans are encouraged to make the most of public transport being included in their ticket, and to always have a Plan B if choosing to drink alcohol.
