The World Cup’s hydration breaks have “turned into high-speed beer runs,” helping turn the tournament into what “might just be the booziest World Cup in history,” according to Beaton & Robinson of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. When it comes to soccer, it is “typically more difficult to indulge during the action.” But at this tournament, FIFA has given thirsty supporters “more windows than ever to reload without missing a kick.” The hydration break “might as well be called the libation break.” For even easier access, fans do not even “have to leave their seats to get a taste.” Unlike in most stadiums in Europe, venues in the U.S. “have beer vendors strolling the stands with coolers full of cans.” Altogether, it is a “cocktail of factors making this the most alcohol-fueled World Cup on record.” Entire cities have “looked on with awe as foreign fans have swooped in and slurped up the supply” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/24).
PARTY FOUL: REUTERS’ Fabiola Arámburo reported Mexico City will “ban alcohol sales in some of its busiest neighbourhoods” during Wednesday’s Mexico-Czech Republic World Cup match, after celebrations last week “led to public drinking and litter along the capital’s main avenue.” The suspension “will run from 3 p.m. local time on Wednesday to 7 a.m. on Thursday," overlapping with the game, which kicks off at Mexico City Stadium at 9pm ET. The measure “exempts bars and restaurants,” but will “apply to convenience stores, grocery stores and supermarkets in the historic downtown and several nearby boroughs." The area spans the popular Zona Rosa entertainment district and Reforma Avenue, Mexico City’s “main artery where fans gather to celebrate soccer wins at the towering Angel of Independence monument." Authorities said last week that they would be “deploying more personnel” to monitor beer sales by street vendors after more than 700,000 people gathered downtown to celebrate Mexico’s victory over South Korea (REUTERS, 6/23). Though last week’s rowdy festivities left no significant injuries or damage, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said the following day that her government “would seek to prevent alcohol consumption on the street” during the next game. City officials noted that cleaning personnel “gathered 40 tons of garbage following the wild celebrations” over Mexico’s win (LE MONDE, 6/23).
