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Writer's pictureSimon Francis

Drinking alcohol on a coach travelling to a sporting event

Drinking alcohol on a coach traveling to a sporting event, In the UK, it is generally illegal to drink alcohol on a coach traveling to a designated sporting event, such as a football match. This law is part of efforts to reduce alcohol-related disorder and ensure safety around football matches.


Key Points:

  1. The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985: This legislation prohibits passengers from carrying or consuming alcohol on coaches, minibuses, or trains that are specifically traveling to or from designated sporting events. The ban applies to both open and unopened containers of alcohol.

  2. Designated Sporting Events: These include professional football matches and other large-scale events that are identified by local authorities. The ban on alcohol consumption typically applies to football matches played in the top tiers of the football league, but it can also extend to other events depending on local regulations.

  3. Coach Operators' Responsibility: Coach operators are responsible for ensuring that no alcohol is brought onto the vehicle when traveling to these events. They may conduct checks before the journey begins and during the trip.

  4. Penalties: If you're caught drinking alcohol on a coach to a designated sporting event, both the passengers and the coach operator may face fines. Police or licensing officers have the authority to stop coaches and search for alcohol, confiscating any that is found.

  5. Exceptions: These rules specifically apply to journeys to and from the event. If the coach is not traveling to a football stadium or a designated sporting event, the rules might differ, but the coach operator can still impose their own restrictions on alcohol consumption.


Drinking alcohol on a coach traveling to a sporting event- In conclusion


It’s important to check with the coach operator for their specific rules, but in general, if you’re heading to a football match, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol on the coach.


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Drinking alcohol on a coach travelling to a sporting event

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