Several pubs across Sydney’s eastern suburbs have banned the McGregor – Mayweather fight this weekend due to concerns over drunken antics.
Australia’s Daily Telegraph reports that a task force of 14 police officers from Eastern Beaches will be on duty from midday to to ensure licensed venues can cope with the huge crowds turning out for the fight.
Police have warned pub owners to only serve alcohol in plastic cups, limit purchases for each customer and not to serve shots, with security on the door reportedly being trebled.
“Anti-social behaviour from McGregor supporters”
An estimated 50% of pubs are refusing to show the fight for security reasons, with publican Bob Tate telling the Telegraph his reasons for doing so:
“It’s primarily the very high risk of anti-social and unacceptable behaviour from the McGregor supporters.
“They are a very passionate group that wear their heart on their sleeve.
“The majority of long-term Irish residents are great fun and great people but problems arise with the transient backpacker Irish traveller who does not conform to our responsible service of alcohol requirements and goes way too far, then disappears into the night to travel to their next destination.
“History and undeniable evidence shows me the likelihood of problems, pre-, during or after the event is substantial.
“Economically, unless you are extremely big venue you just cannot sell enough food and beverage to cover costs of extra security.”
Guess they’ll just have to watch the match somewhere else so.
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