Adelaide Oval gets permission to serve alcohol in aluminium cans, hopes to reduce harmful waste

Australian sports ground, Adelaide Oval has been permitted a new liquor licence with the aid of which they will be eligible to sell alcohol in aluminium cans. The Stadium Management Authority (SMA) is introducing liquor in aluminium cans to minimise the amount of harmful waste created earlier.

The licence was attested by the Consumer and Business Services Commissioner on July 27, implementing the provision of canned beverages to consumers in the public zone in substitution of the plastic cups filled with tap liquor.

The chief operating officer of SMA, Adam Vonthethoff, commented: "This is just an extension of what we're already doing in our corporate areas."

Though Adelaide Oval serves liquor in completely recyclable cups, Mr Vonthethoff thinks that the usage of a lesser amount of cups might be beneficial for the environment.

He was concerned that safety was not the topmost priority in the interstate sporting venues before this, with no protocol being followed at the Beer and BBQ Festival held at Wayville Showgrounds previously this month.

He underlined that SA Police came out in support of the scheme and listed, “the proposed penalties for any person who was not acting in a safe manner.”

The Police Association of South Australia was vocal about the threat that those aluminium cans could be hurled at them during protests or unrest in the stadium.

Mick Caroll, the Association president exaggerated that Police Commissioner, Grant Stevens had created a ‘massive about-face’.

"He's simply dismissed police officers' concerns about their safety and instead sided with the Stadium Management Authority," Mr Carroll alluded.

"We know as an absolute matter of fact that thugs at sporting events have used full cans of beer as projectiles,” he seemed worried.

"It has happened before and it will certainly happen again,” he warned.  The SMA, therefore, urges the audience on the ground not to throw aluminium cans at the police officers.

"I don't think any South Australian really buys the proposition that this is about the environment,” he morosely confessed.

South Australian Union secretary Dale Beasley and the employees of Adelaide Oval were not asked for any opinion before this planned alteration.

"There's currently no evidence that any health and safety assessment has been made before the Adelaide Oval sought to have their liquor license changed to allow for the sale of tinned beer," Mr Carroll concluded.

Frank Pangallo, SA Best member of the South Australian Legislative Council emphasised that he would be drawing legislation against the use of aluminium cans in a stadium and would summon the SMA in front of the Budget and Finance Committee. Canned beverages will be available by the end of August at the SANFL finals.