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- From: The Sunday Telegraph
- February 13, 2011 12:00AM
![085545-beer.jpg](http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2011/02/12/1226005/085545-beer.jpg)
Curb: Only light and mid-strength beer will be sold at Sydney's biggest sports stadium from now on. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
ANZ Stadium has banned the sale of full-strength beer starting at tonight's Charity Shield NRL season opener. Only mid-strength and light beer will be sold at Sydney's biggest sporting venue following a series of meetings between police, security experts and stadium executives.
The ban affects all footy codes and all events, including the State of Origin, Bledisloe Cup and NRL grand final. Tonight's clash between the Rabbitohs and the Dragons is the first game under the mid-strength policy.
"We make no apologies to those who think going to the footy is about getting heavily on the grog," said ANZ Stadium managing director Daryl Kerry.
"Drunken footy fans are not welcome. We've ejected intoxicated fans for years, but now we're going a step further.
"Sporting events are more and more about a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone."
Mr Kerry said he consulted the NSW Police before implementing the policy.
"We've seen community attitudes changing towards drinking in public places. This in many ways is giving the people who come to ANZ Stadium what they want," he said.
The NRL supports the move.
"It is a policy they are adopting across all sports and reflects a responsible approach on their part," said chief executive David Gallop.
"Our focus has always been to promote responsible consumption and we have worked with the Australian
Drug Foundation, our clubs and our industry partners to examine the most effective ways of delivering that message."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/stadium-booze-has-a-little-less-biff/story-fn6bm90q-1226005085442