The Minns Labor Government has confirmed that Western Sydney and Hunter football fans, will be able to enjoy a full-strength beer as they watch the action unfold.
Previously, fans attending venues in Western Sydney and the Hunter could only buy mid-strength beer, while fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium in Moore Park could buy full strength beer.
The Labor Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby MP launched a campaign to change this, calling out how unfair this “East versus West” divide is.
Following the Member for Riverstone’s campaign, the Minns Labor Government’s undertook a six-month trial into the service of full-strength beer which was held during last year’s NRL and A-Leagues seasons.
It was the first time since 2011 that full-strength beer had been served at Accor Stadium, while CommBank Stadium had only served mid-strength beer in general admission areas since it opened in 2018.
At the two Western Sydney venues, last year’s trial saw intoxication as a percentage of attendance remain steady at 0.013%, despite a near 13% increase in crowds year-on-year.
Following consultation with NSW Police and sport and entertainment partners, patrons will be able to purchase a maximum of four full-strength beers per transaction.
Bars in general admission areas at Accor and CommBank stadiums will officially be stocked with full-strength, mid-strength and zero-alcohol beer this footy season.
The service of full-strength beer will also continue at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle and WIN Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centres in Wollongong.
Attendees of major events are encouraged to drink responsibly and make appropriate travel arrangements, to always have a Plan B and to make the most of public transport included with all event tickets to Accor and CommBank stadiums.
Minister for Sport and Tourism said:
“All footy fans are winners this weekend with bars in general admission areas to stock full-strength beer all-season long.
“This is a commonsense decision and it’s about time fans get a choice of full-strength, mid, light and zero-alcohol beer while cheering on their team at the footy.”
Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said:
“Its important patrons have a choice and access to a variety of food and beverage options while attending events at our venues and now they can.
“Delivering the best event day experience remains our key priority, and we can continue to do so through valuable feedback from our fans.”
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:
“This is great news for sports fans who love beer equality as much as they love a full-strength beer.
“It’s a credit to the Minister for Sport and the Premier who both recognised the injustice that was being experienced by fans in Western Sydney stadiums and acted swiftly to ensure everyone is being treated equally when it comes to buying beer.
“Congratulations to the many fans who came out to support the campaign for equal beer rights at all Venues NSW stadiums – Cheers!