Police union launches court action to halt sale of tinnies at the oval

The sale of alcohol in cans at Adelaide Oval started on Saturday, but the state’s police union has launched unprecedented court action to have it stopped.

The state’s police union has launched a legal challenge to try and stop beer being sold in cans at Adelaide Oval.

In an unprecedented move, the Police Association has lodged an appeal in the Liquor Licensing Court seeking to have a variation to Adelaide Oval’s liquor licence allowing the move overturned on the grounds of public safety.

The union fears beer cans – which started being sold at the ground on Saturday for the rugby union double header – will be used as missiles by drunken spectators and injure either police officers, spectators or players on the field.

It can also be revealed the Police Federation of Australia (PFA), which represents 60,000 officers, has written to the player unions representing all sporting codes – including AFL footballers, rugby players and Australian cricketers – seeking their support to stop the sale of beer in cans not just at Adelaide Oval, but at grounds in the eastern states where trials are also under way.

Mark Carroll, President of the Police Association of South Australia. Picture: Supplied

Australian cricketer Michael Bevan holding a hand to his face after being hit with a beer can missile thrown from crowd during presentation at Lords in Jun 2001.

Police Association SA president Mark Carroll said the union “had little choice’’ but to launch the court appeal following SAPOL’s backflip in supporting the move.

Liquor Licensing Commissioner Dini Soulio last month approved the sale of beer cans at Adelaide Oval after SAPOL withdrew its initial opposition to the move on public safety grounds after discussions with the Stadium Management Authority (SMA).

Those discussions included an agreement that safety warning messages about using cans as projectiles and potential penalties would be displayed on screens at the ground, and a review be undertaken in 12 months.

“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,’’ Mr Carroll said.

“SAPOL, however, has failed hardworking cops out in the field. It has caved in to the commercial interests of the Adelaide Oval SMA by allowing the sale of cans of alcohol in general public areas.

“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.

“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.”

In 2020, police opposed the move on public safety grounds and the SMA was asked to supply information in relation to police concerns, but nothing was provided.

In the latest licence variation application, the SMA responded to police concerns and as a result police withdrew their opposition to the variation. Police said they also took into account arrangements for the sale of alcohol in cans at other large public events.

Scott Weber, chief executive of the Police Federation of Australia. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gary Ramage

SA Best party leader Frank Pangallo talking to the media. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

In its letter to player unions, PFA chief executive Scott Weber states “this obvious danger is not just an issue for police officers”.

“Our members know only too well the threat which alcohol-fuelled revellers armed with full beer cans present,’’ he states.

“Any move to return the sale of cans at stadia around the country puts everybody in those venues at risk – including members of your union.’’

Mr Weber lists a number of recent incidents in which full cans have either narrowly missed or injured prominent sportsmen at events including a PGA golf tournaments, two major league baseball games and a major league soccer game.

MLC Frank Pangallo, who is opposed to the beer can move, is seeking an explanation from Mr Soulio on why the licence variation was granted even though public safety concerns remain.

In a strongly-worded letter, Mr Pangallo states the financial benefits of selling beer in cans needs to be balanced against “the security and safety’’ of the community and those working at Adelaide Oval.

“The safety of patrons, police officers and/or other emergency worker personnel, players and staff at Adelaide Oval must always be paramount to the scope of the SMA’s responsibilities,’’ he states.

The SMA declined to comment on the police union’s move when contacted on Sunday.