Football fan zone can continue despite concerns

Norwich City supporters will still be able to enjoy the fan zone near the Carrow Road ticket office

A football club's fan zone will become a permanent fixture, after its application to serve alcohol at home games was approved.

Norwich City previously had a temporary agreement with the city council to serve alcohol in the area outside the Carrow Road ticket office, as well as during music concerts.

But under the new plans, the Canaries wanted to secure permission to sell alcohol outside for three hours before kick-off on home match days in part of the car park area behind the South Stand.

The bid did not receive any objections from the police but one local, understood to live in the vicinity of the stadium, complained.

The individual said the current arrangement was agreed without consultation with neighbours, who have complained about the noise from live music events.

The objector added: "There is no reason whatsoever why the club should require further bars to be situated on the road… Fans will be allowed to buy alcohol at bars and will litter in the street while residents and traffic pass by.

"Not only will this lead to noisy and anti-social behaviour, it would also be dangerous.

"It is another example of mission creep by the football club and its plans to develop outside the stadium."

Norwich City Football Club has had an alcohol licence for its fan zone approved

Despite the initial objection, the application was approved uncontested, with a scheduled public hearing to debate the bid later dropped, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A Norwich City Council licensing officer said it was approved without the need for a licensing hearing this week.

Norfolk Constabulary supported the application but insisted the club must make sure sufficient levels of staffing and security staff are in place to manage this area to avoid any disruption, which was agreed to.

The licensing application also includes permission to sell alcohol in the fan zone area for a maximum of three days a year when a music concert is taking place in the grounds.