Linz Steelvolleys ban alcohol sales at home games

The Linz Steelvolleys volleyball club will no longer serve alcohol to spectators at home games, ORF reported. The club said the decision aims to set an example for children and teenagers and keep the focus on sport.

Club chairman Christoph Hemmelmayr said the decision was made primarily because of the club’s role as a model for young people and its commitment to promoting sport. He acknowledged that it would not appeal to everyone and was not intended to provoke anyone.

The club expects possible criticism from people who believe alcohol is part of entertainment and that the policy could lead to fewer spectators. It nevertheless said that promoting a healthy and sporting lifestyle takes priority.

“It is about sport and it is about children,” Hemmelmayr said.

In the long term, the club hopes the measure will raise awareness of the health benefits of an alcohol-free environment in sport.