AFLNT will cease the sales of heavy beer and spirits in the general admissions area of the TIO Stadium following a joint announcement by AFLNT and the NT Police Commissioner today.
In a joint approach to manage spectators and increase the safety of crowds at football matches, this announcement brings the TIO Stadium in line with existing alcohol management plans in Alice Springs and Australia wide.
Commissioner John McRoberts said having tens of people repeatedly taken into protective custody at sporting events which are supposed to be enjoyable is simply not acceptable,
"As Police Commissioner, I cannot simply accept that excessive alcohol consumption and the problems that result is 'a given' at Territory sporting events.
"Nor can I simply accept that Police Officers need to keep cleaning up the mess with nothing being done to prevent the problems from happening in the first place.
"Our job is to keep people safe and that involves adopting a highly visible, proactive policing strategy and that won't change with this announcement.
"However we also need to work collaboratively with other agencies and organisations to tackle the problems before they occur including alcohol management.
"This announcement by AFLNT supported by TIO is very responsible and most welcome by the Police Force. Most importantly however, it is a win for the community.
"I look forward to continuing to support and working proactively with AFLNT on their spectator management initiatives into the future." Commissioner McRoberts concluded.
The alcohol management plan is due to commence at the start of the 2010 football season in October and will apply to the general admissions area at the TIO Stadium, Marrara. The restrictions do not apply to corporate and 'members only' areas.
This announcement comes less than a week after the launch of the first NT Police, 'Alcohol Policing Strategy'. The new 'Alcohol Policing Strategy' identifies key focus areas including 'keeping people safe by reducing alcohol related crime', 'promotion of responsible sale and service of alcohol' and 'collaboration with ...non-government organisations and community groups to reduce alcohol-related harm'.
The strategy is available on the Police, Fire and Emergency Services website at the following link: http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&p=167&m=29&sm=66
Media contact:
Katie Fowden
0401 116 540
