Another big crowd is expected to flock to the Edwin Flack Reserve in Berwick for the Casey-Cardinia MPNFL final series.
By Callan Date
A MAJOR crackdown on alcohol consumption at this year’s local football finals will be in force after league officials met with police last week.
Edwin Flack Reserve in Berwick, home of the Casey Cardinia Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League (MPNFL) grand final, will have designated ‘wet areas’.
The signed and cordoned off areas will be the only place spectators can buy and consume liquor.
Anyone caught drinking alcohol outside these areas will be hit with a $100 fine.
The largest ever police presence for MPNFL finals will also be on patrol throughout the crowd.
Up to 12 police officers as well as City of Casey Council by-laws officials will be on hand to make sure fans comply with the new liquor licensing laws.
Members from Victoria Police’s mounted branch will also be in attendance during the finals.
The alcohol enforcement comes after record crowds flocked to the Casey-Cardinia MPNFL final series last year.
Another bumper crowd is expected over the four-week series with final games also to be played at Pakenham.
Sergeant Geoffrey Rumble said the alcohol-licensing model set to be introduced had successfully worked at Casey Fields.
“There is not going to be drinking right around the ground. We are trying to create a family friendly environment,” Sgt Rumble said.
“Our whole endeavour here is to completely stop any anti-social behaviour which has slowly crept into the football finals recently.”
MPNFL football operations manager Ian Benson said the heightened police presence at Edwin Flack Reserve was needed to cater for the anticipated crowd.
He said league officials had been working with both Casey Council and Narre Warren Police to make sure the finals series was a safe family friendly event.
Fliers will be given out to spectators warning them of the new laws.
Police and football club officials will be searching cars upon entry to the ground at all finals matches.
Any alcohol found being brought into the ground will be confiscated.
Anyone under the age of 18 caught buying or consuming alcohol will also be fined.
