FCO and Drinkaware issue alcohol advice for travelling World Cup fans

22-Jun-2018 - Last updated on 22-Jun-2018 at 13:08 GMT

Safe trip: Drinkaware and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have issued alcohol advice for football fans in Russia

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and alcohol education charity Drinkaware have highlighted a series of issues facing Brits travelling to Russia for this summer’s World Cup.

These range from counterfeit vodka to overly generous spirit measures served in Russian bars and restaurants.

Key messages about potential problems facing fans are also being widely circulated on social media using the FCO’s #BeOnTheBall hashtag.

Julia Longbottom, director of consular services at the FCO said: “Through our Be on the Ball campaign, the FCO has been helping fans travelling to the World Cup to prepare for a safe trip. We are pleased to work with Drinkaware to provide this advice on sensible drinking.

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves in Russia and get to see the football. This advice should help fans avoid pitfalls with alcohol getting in the way of that.”

Drinkaware chief executive Elaine Hindal said: “We’ve worked closely with the FCO to ensure that travelling fans can access guidance on sensible drinking quickly and easily.

“We all hope that England will progress in the tournament, and more supporters are likely to head out to Russia if they do. We hope that all England supporters in Russia enjoy the football without putting themselves at risk.”

The FCO’s official advice for fans travelling to Russia is available at www.gov.uk/russia2018.