A senior Greater Manchester Police officer is urging football supporters to continue their positive attitude towards local drinking laws.With high-profile visits to Old Trafford from both Chelsea and Bayern Munich to come in the next eight days, Chief Superintendent Mark Roberts believes that compliance with the controlled drinking zone legislation will ensure a trouble-free atmosphere.

 

The law requires people drinking in the zones to surrender alcohol on request of an officer or face arrest or a £50 fine. Out of the 75,000 spectators that attended the recent game against Liverpool only two people refused to comply, leading to a reduction of incidents of alcohol-fuelled crime and a friendlier match-day atmosphere.

 

Leaflets, bluetooth messages and reminders on www.manutd.com and in the match day program were used to remind supporters about the legislation.

 

Chief Superintendent Roberts, Silver Commander for the two upcoming fixtures, said: “Before, during and after the Liverpool match, we had members of the public commenting on the improved atmosphere and praising the lack of trouble and tension in and around Old Trafford.

 

"In the past, alcohol consumption has led to nuisance behaviour and the creation of a hostile atmosphere but I firmly believe that the recent improvement was due in no small part to the controlled drinking zone legislation and the supporters’ positive reaction to our enforcement.

 

"We will be continuing with this approach and I would encourage supporters to continue working with us to ensure that Old Trafford remains a safe and enjoyable place to visit. However, I would also remind spectators that any drunken behaviour that causes genuine fans grief will simply not be tolerated."