Football fans will be allowed to get the beers in at Poland’s stadiums during Euro 2012, although only the light variety will be on sale, Sports Minister Adam Giersz announced yesterday.
“We’re currently preparing a legal amendment to allow low-alcohol beer to be sold during matches at Euro 2012,” Giersz said.
Alcohol sales are currently banned in Poland’s sports arenas under legislation covering public gatherings. Giersz said authorities had yet to decide if the new rules would remain in place after the tournament.
The planned change has been awaited by Danish brewing giant Carlsberg, which has had a commercial tie-up with UEFA since 1988. Carlsberg will have exclusive rights to sell beer at Poland’s European championship venues.
Polish football association chief and ex-international Grzegorz Lato welcomed the move.
“There’s no reason why everyone should make a profit from beer sales, apart from sports organisations,” Lato told Polish radio.
Euro 2012 kicks off on June 8 that year in Warsaw and ends with the final on July 1 in Kiev, capital of co-host Ukraine.