Booze blitz

POLICE will target drunks and confiscate alcohol from underage patrons during Saturday’s EDFL grand finals at Cora Lynn.
As finals fever sweeps the district, officers have warned spectators at the Ellinbank and District Football and Netball League grand finals to be on their best behaviour.
An operation involving local uniform police and a brawler van will keep the anticipated 5000-plus crowd in check.
Sergeant Ray De Reus of Bunyip police said underage drinkers would be fined, and anyone who thought they could smuggle alcohol into the venue could think again.
“This year we are going to be enforcing liquor licensing laws vigorously in order to eradicate issues involving underage and other youths with alcohol at the finals,” he said.
“The league will have erected signs to make it a condition of entry that vehicles and or bags may be searched and anyone who brings alcohol to the ground will be prohibited from entry.”
Sgt De Reus said police had extensively liaised with the league about the segregation of drinkers and non-drinkers.
There will be designated wet areas near two points where liquor will be sold, and patrons under 18 will be refused entry.
Police will also fine any underage drinkers and seize their alcohol.
Sgt De Reus said a dry area would also be set-up for families.
“Patrons to the ground can expect a highly visible police presence and hopefully everyone can have a great day whether you choose to drink alcohol or not,” Sgt De Reus said.