‘Barmy Army’ from England warned against drinking in India

The England cricket team has a massive fan following on overseas tours aka the ‘Barmy Army’. While the ‘Barmy Army’ has been quite vocal and prominent in their support for their team, the Foreign Office (FCO) has warned the travelling England fans against drinking in India.

While the latest bulletin from the FCO has sent out a stern warning to the travelling England supporters stating that all match venues refuse the right to entry to anyone who is behaving in a disorderly manner and also someone who is under the influence as well. Alcohol is a key concern for the British High Commission in Delhi, which prepared the advice specifically for the series.

“All match venues reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who is drunk and/or disorderly,” it warns, adding that drink is banned (along with “professional camera/video/audio equipment”) from all the Test grounds.

Moreover, the bulletin also reads that alcohol in certain states in India is vehemently prohibited. Some of these states include Gujarat and Kerala, something that could also carry a sentence of 5 to 10 years if one is found in possession of alcohol in these states.

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Each of India’s states sets its own rules on alcohol purchase and consumption. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol.

“Consumption or possession of alcohol in prohibited states can lead to arrest without bail and charges which carry a sentence of 5 to 10 years.”  Elsewhere, the legal drinking age ranges from 18 to 25.

On the railways, “There have been reports of travellers being drugged and robbed on trains often on overnight journeys.”

“They are usually driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite common.”

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