1 Feb 2013

Sevens organisers clamp down on drunken behaviour

10:03 am on 1 February 2013

Wellington rugby sevens organisers will enforce a stricter policy on alcohol management at the tournament which starts this afternoon.

Wristbands have been introduced for fans over the age of 18 and only those wearing wristbands will be able to drink alcohol inside Westpac Stadium.

Anyone caught smuggling alcohol into the event will lose their ticket for both days of the tournament.

Officials will also increase their assessment for intoxication and wristbands will be removed if patrons are displaying drunken behaviour or if they are an obvious nuisance.

Free water will be available from water coolers in the stadium.

New Zealand's most competitive match is usually the last of the day... but this year it is their first, against England just after 3pm, a decision that has been seen as a move to get fans out of the city pubs and into the stadium earlier.

The tournament starts at 1pm with Wellington forecast to reach a high of 23 degrees.