During high-risk matches of AZ, it may no longer be possible to buy drinks in supermarkets. Mayor Anja Schouten proposes to extend the alcohol ordinance with this. It concerns a similar sales ban as has been in force since 2013 during King’s Night and Day, in certain parts of Alkmaar.
The alcohol sales ban is intended for supermarkets in the city center, the Spoorbuurt and Overstad. “We want to prevent crates of beer bought there from being taken to busy areas in the city during Royal day“, explains Mayor Schouten during tonight’s committee meeting.
No drying
“It is emphatically not a prohibition or alcohol ban, but with the sales ban we want to ensure that no additional alcohol abuse, dangerous situations or injuries occur due to crates, glass or bottles brought along.” The ban does not apply to liquor stores.
According to the mayor, the supermarkets in the designated areas have been cooperating without problems for years and evaluations by the police, among others, show that the ban works. “But everyone can just drink a beer on King’s Day in Alkmaar at the cafes, festivals and event grounds.”
Risk duels
The mayor is now also asking the council to be able to use the sales ban during high-risk football matches. “The triangle – mayor, police and Public Prosecution Service – determines what a risk duel is. Think of European competitions that bring large groups of supporters to Alkmaar.”
“These are not about risk duels for which a bus combi applies”, the mayor tried to explain the difference in risk competitions. “Then you take measures in and around the stadium if necessary.” For example, as happened in 2021 after hooligans took it stormed the field.
But consider, for example, the Dundee fans who came to town. At that time I did not have that authority, and the community police officer asked the supermarkets in the area not to sell alcohol. That was then complied with, but we would like to see this regulated in the regulation.”
Extended just in time
The sales ban for retail around King’s Day turned out to have expired after April 27 last year. “During the preparations for King’s Day, we suddenly found out that the ordinance needs to be renewed,” Mayor Schouten gave as the reason why it was not on the agenda earlier.
Next week, in the nick of time, the proposal to extend the sales ban will be discussed in the council. A number of parties indicated that they would like additional information about ‘what exactly constitutes a high-risk competition’. At the council meeting on April 20, the proposal is not yet a hammer piece, but there seems to be a majority that supports the regulation.