Booze galore for England-Germany game

The Free State government announced on Saturday night it has relaxed its liquor laws for Sunday when England and Germany play each other in the group of 16 of the 2010 Soccer World Cup in Bloemfontein.
Spokesman for the department of economic affairs and tourism Khotso Tau said the department took the decision in consultation with the South African Police Service.
Tau said in terms of the new concession liquor stores and supermarkets could sell liquor on Sunday during their normal business hours.
"Restaurants, pubs and taverns would also be allowed to sell liquor after midnight on Sunday night." Tau said it was agreed with police that there would be a "high visibility" in the streets during Sunday, in Bloemfontein specifically.
He said the concession was only for Sunday and only applicable on legal liquor operators in the province.
Asked for the reason for the decision, Tau said the game between England and Germany was probably the biggest soccer match ever in the history of Bloemfontein and the Free State.
"We will be hosting the two nations in the world who loves their beer and they should feel welcome in the province," he said.
Tau reiterated that police would be in full strength ensuring order and stability during the "special dispensation"

from iol