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Bloemfontein - World Cup organisers moved on Thursday to ensure Bloemfontein bars were stocked with enough booze as the city braced for an invasion of thousands of thirsty England and Germany fans.
George Mohlakoana, chief executive of the Mangaung Local Organising Committee, said up to 25 000 English fans and up to 10 000 German supporters were expected in the city for Sunday's match.
"Normally, in terms of our own provincial laws, Sunday is considered a day when alcohol should not be sold from wholesalers. However, you can get alcohol from restaurants and pubs."
Mohlakoana said organisers had communicated with pubs and restaurants to make them aware of the fact that the two sets of supporters come from beer-drinking cultures and that they would need to stock adequate supplies.
Well-behaved
"Probably some of the supporters, with the match in the afternoon, they may arrive in the morning and would want to start drinking," he told AFP.
Mohlakoana insisted no limits would be put on drinking but the authorities would monitor events to make sure things did not get out of hand.
But he did not expect problems. "Everybody is in a World Cup mood which is good, the vibe has been excellent and the crowds well-behaved," he said.
Mohlakoana was speaking after a meeting that also covered security and accommodation issues, adding that organisers would meet with an England delegation on Friday.
Security
Mohlakoana ruled out "extraordinary" security measures for the match between the historic rivals at the Free State stadium, saying arrangements would be in line "with the calibre of the match we are hosting."
"Already England have played three matches as well as Germany," he said.
"We will be using lessons learned just to make sure all is going to work well," he added.
And he said he was confident the city and surrounding area would have enough beds to meet demand, adding that many fans would drive up for the match on the day.
England's Frank Lampard praised the 25 000-strong travelling band of supporters after their victory over Slovenia on Wednesday, saying they were an important ingredient in the win at Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.
George Mohlakoana, chief executive of the Mangaung Local Organising Committee, said up to 25 000 English fans and up to 10 000 German supporters were expected in the city for Sunday's match.
"Normally, in terms of our own provincial laws, Sunday is considered a day when alcohol should not be sold from wholesalers. However, you can get alcohol from restaurants and pubs."
Mohlakoana said organisers had communicated with pubs and restaurants to make them aware of the fact that the two sets of supporters come from beer-drinking cultures and that they would need to stock adequate supplies.
Well-behaved
"Probably some of the supporters, with the match in the afternoon, they may arrive in the morning and would want to start drinking," he told AFP.
Mohlakoana insisted no limits would be put on drinking but the authorities would monitor events to make sure things did not get out of hand.
But he did not expect problems. "Everybody is in a World Cup mood which is good, the vibe has been excellent and the crowds well-behaved," he said.
Mohlakoana was speaking after a meeting that also covered security and accommodation issues, adding that organisers would meet with an England delegation on Friday.
Security
Mohlakoana ruled out "extraordinary" security measures for the match between the historic rivals at the Free State stadium, saying arrangements would be in line "with the calibre of the match we are hosting."
"Already England have played three matches as well as Germany," he said.
"We will be using lessons learned just to make sure all is going to work well," he added.
And he said he was confident the city and surrounding area would have enough beds to meet demand, adding that many fans would drive up for the match on the day.
England's Frank Lampard praised the 25 000-strong travelling band of supporters after their victory over Slovenia on Wednesday, saying they were an important ingredient in the win at Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.
