Alcohol ban approved by Parliament
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THE RULE awaiting legislation to ban alcohol at football matches makes it clear that supporters going to matches on coaches and minibuses will not be allowed to take alcohol with them.
The legislation, Which was approved last week, prohibits the possession of drink on coaches and minibuses both on the way to or on the way back from a "designated sporting event."
Paralleling Scottish legislation, drivers will also be lia ble to criminal charges if they allow supporters to travel with alcohol.
The provisions apply to travel within England and Wales en route to sports grounds and sporting events designated in Scotland, while matches played abroad can also be categorised as being included in any ban.
It will be an offence "knowingly to cause or permit intoxicating liquor to be carried on a public service vehicle". The operator or his agent will be liable.
Similarly, people who are carrying alcohol while on such a vehicle will be guilty of an offence, as they will if they are drunk, even if they have no alcohol with them.
Offences will be heard in the magistrates' courts. For possessing alcohol on a vehicle, the fine will be a maximum of £400 or three months' imprisonment, or even both.
For allowing or causing alcohol to be carried on a vehicle the party will be fined up to £.1,000.
People drunk in a public service vehicle could be fined up to £100.