Tasmania Police and Ambulance Tasmania are urging footy fans to celebrate the AFL Grand Final responsibly this weekend.
Acting Inspector Justin Lawson said officers will be out in force in additional numbers to ensure people are doing the right thing.
“Any person who drinks to excess and then gets behind the wheel, they place themselves and others at risk,” he said.
“They can enjoy the day and make some other arrangements to either get home or to another person’s place, just to ensure that they enjoy the football and also get home safely.”
Lawson said excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various issues, including family violence and public disorder incidents.
“AFL Grand Final can be something less than the best day of the year for some people, but all we ask is that people drink responsibly, enjoy the day,” he said.
Ambulance Tasmania’s Sam Burdack said Grand Final weekend is traditionally one of the busier times for the ambulance service.
“Whether it might be someone just attempting to kick a footy that has a fall or something, through to more serious injuries,” he said.
“Think about your mates, think about your bros. Put yourselves first and don’t put yourself in a situation where you’re going to be getting behind the wheel, for example, if you’ve had too much to drink.”
“We don’t want to be meeting people on the roadside. No one wins out of this. It’s tragic for the individuals involved. It’s horrific for the families and it can be crippling for our people and our other first responders.”
“So we really ask people, just think carefully before you get behind the wheel this weekend, if they’ve had a few drinks.”
Burdack said the ambulance service has increased coverage across the state for Saturday afternoon to assist with any surge in demand.
