RÓISÍN SHORTALL HAS raised concerns about the consumption of alcohol in the stands of sports stadiums, particularly in relation to drinking in the presence of children who are attending the matches.
In a recent parliamentary question, the independent TD asked if it was appropriate for people to be allowed to drink alcohol in the stands with children around and if this practice broke laws prohibiting the presence of children on licensed premises after 9pm.
She told TheJournal.ie that a complaint came to her from someone who had been at a match recently who was “very annoyed about the whole atmosphere that was created” by people drinking alcohol.
There’s a concern among people who are bringing their children to matches and there’s a lot of heavy drinking and that’s not a very suitable environment.
Brazil has a long-standing ban on alcohol in sports stadiums that was introduced in an attempt to end sometimes fatal violence between rival fans at matches. This was relaxed slightly for the World Cup and fans were able to buy beer.
While, thankfully, Ireland does not have a history of deaths in sports stadiums because of fighting between rival fans, Shortall said the “rowdy behaviour and language” that sometimes accompanies drinking is not appropriate for children.
It also “adds to the sense that you can’t enjoy yourself properly without a few drink and that’s a powerful message that goes out to children”, the TD continued.
It’s easy to complain about underage drinking but as parents we have a responsibility too.
She has suggested that the issue be examined by the Government and that the idea of designated ‘no alcohol’ areas be considered to parents know their children will not be surrounded by adults who are drinking alcohol.
Minister of State for Sports and Tourism Michael Ring told the TD that regulations made by his department do already identify particular areas in an arena where alcohol can be sold and consumed.
He also said laws in relation to cut-off times for children do not apply “to premises in which the sale and consumption of alcohol is ancillary to other activity, such as restaurants, theatres or designated national sporting arenas”.
However he said he would raise her concerns with the operators of sports arenas.
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