The Minns Labor Government is pleased to announce the Western Sydney stadiums’ full strength beer trial will kick off this weekend at CommBank Stadium.
The trial will be in place for a six-month period at all NRL, NRLW and A-Leagues matches at CommBank Stadium, Accor Stadium and at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
CommBank Stadium will host three matches this weekend, starting with the Panthers-Roosters NRL clash tonight, Western Sydney Wanderers-Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and Parramatta Eels-Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
Fans in general public areas will now have access to full-strength, mid-strength, light and zero alcohol options.
The success of the trial will be determined following consultation with NSW Police, liquor authorities, sport and entertainment partners and feedback from fans.
Venues NSW and NSW Police will work closely to ensure the responsible service of alcohol, as has always been the case for event days.
Fans are encouraged to make the most of public transport being included in their ticket, and to always have a Plan B if choosing to drink alcohol.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“For too long there has been a disparity in how sports fans in the West are treated, compared to those in the East.
“Yesterday we announced that you can now get free public transport to games at CommBank, and today we are once again making full-strength beer available to those in the West and the Hunter.
“We recognise that fans have been calling for this for a while and we’re excited to see this trial in place from Friday.”
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:
“The decision to allow the sale of full-strength beer at CommBank and McDonald Jones stadiums brings much needed equity between city dwellers and those of us in the surrounding suburbs.
“This decision is not about encouraging people to ‘get on the beers’, it recognises everyone, whether they are in the Eastern Suburbs, Western Sydney or Newcastle, can be equally responsible in their consumption of alcohol.
“I congratulate Minister Kamper for bringing fairness and equality back for sporting fans by putting an end to the beer war between the East and West, recognising all of us as responsible adults.
“The selection of beer offered should not be restricted by where you are going to watch the footy. This is a great decision by Minister Kamper to bring back equality in our sporting venues”