Fans favour reducing influence of booze
TWO-THIRDS of rugby fans surveyed claim to have experienced anti-social behaviour at Wales rugby matches, and the majority also want bars to be closed during games.
It comes after numerous complaints over the drunken and obnoxious behaviour of some fans inside the Principality Stadium during the recent autumn campaign, with the story of a sixyear-old boy being vomited on resulting in particular outrage.
WalesOnline’s recent survey into anti-social behaviour and alcohol at matches received more than 4,500 responses.
Just over two-thirds, 68%, of respondents said they had experienced anti-social behaviour at Wales rugby matches, with 77% believing that anti-social behaviour has got worse in recent years.
In terms of a solution to the problem, 32% of those surveyed believe that bars should be closed for the duration of the match.
Not far behind, 29% think rugby should follow a similar approach to football, with the bars remaining open but alcohol not being allowed to be taken to seats, meaning it has to be drunk within the concourse rather than the stands.
Just over a fifth, 21% of respondents, called for a complete ban on alcohol in the stadium, while 18% believe nothing needs to be done.
The final question of the survey asked whether people would be more or less likely to attend a Wales rugby match if there were no alcohol; 58% said they would be more likely to, 24% said it would be about the same, while 18% of people who answered the question said they would be less likely to attend.