Police union launch legal action over beer cans at Adelaide Oval

A police union in one state has taken major legal action over the sale of beer cans at a popular venue.

South Australia’s police union has launched legal action to stop the sale of canned beers at Adelaide Oval.

Previously beer could only be sold in plastic cups under the stadium’s liquor licence but a change was made by the state’s Liquor and Gambling Commissioner last month.

The South Australia Police Association (PASA) are now appealing that decision with the Liquor Licensing Court over fears surrounding public safety.

The union is concerned intoxicated patrons could throw beer cans at people on the field, including players, staff and police officers.

South Australia Police Association president Mark Carroll said selling beer cans at Adelaide Oval puts people at risk. Picture: AAP Image/ Brenton Edwards

South Australia Police (SAPOL) were previously opposed to beer cans being sold at Adelaide Oval, but reversed their position after the Stadium Management Authority (SMA) addressed their public safety issues.

That included warnings on the stadium's screens about throwing beer cans and reminders that doing so could result in a two-year ban from the ground.

PASA president Mark Carroll said officers had been let down by the change in stance.

“Police devote themselves to the cause of public safety every day. So, they deserve to have protections around their own safety, and strong police leaders need to ensure that happens,” he said.

“SAPOL, however, has failed hardworking cops out in the field. Cans can be used as a dangerous projectile and are not needed at sporting venues.

“This move is certain to end in disaster. Someone will be seriously injured when, as before, a full can gets thrown at a player, spectator or police officer.

“Sporting stadia around the world speak of a long history of the dangerous mix of emotion, alcohol, and the combative, tribal nature of the sporting contest.

“Where large crowds gather in these settings, violent incidents follow. The onus is on SAPOL, SMA board members, and the Licensing Commissioner to apply a far greater level of consultation and thought to the potential danger they’re unleashing.”

Beer cans were sold over the weekend at Adelaide Oval when the Wallabies and Wallaroos played. Photo: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

Liquor Licensing Commissioner Dini Soulio noted historical can throwing incidents when he made the variation to the stadium's liquor licence, but said they happened a long time ago and were rare.

SMA chief operating officer Adam Vonthethoff said last month that selling beers in cans would be “beneficial” to Adelaide Oval.

“Adelaide Oval already had cans, and all the other stadiums around the country were already in a position to serve cans in public areas, so this is just an extension of what we’re already doing,” he told ABC Radio.

“What cans will allow us to do is offer a wider range of choice to the public as well as our members area.

“It’s no doubt that not having to decanter a can into a plastic cup is beneficial.”

Canned beers were sold at the stadium over the weekend during the Wallabies and Wallaroos’ rugby doubleheader.

The SMA declined to comment on the union’s appeal when contacted.

Originally published as Police union launch legal action over beer cans at Adelaide Oval