Moscow hit with ‘unprecedented’ booze ban for 2018 World Cup

Russian authorities have slapped an unprecedented booze ban on this summer’s World Cup.

Officials in Moscow will stop pubs and restaurants selling alcohol to fans on the day before and the day of games.

The draconian ban also applies to off-licences and supermarkets throughout the capital.

It means supporters will only be able to buy booze inside stadiums and official FIFA fan zones.

Other cities, including those where England will play their matches, could also follow suit.

The Moscow ban is the biggest in the city’s history and is aimed at preventing fan violence.

Twelve games will be played there, including Russia’s opener against Saudi Arabia and the tournament final.

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Moscow City Hall’s deputy head of regional security, Kirill Malyshkin, announced the booze ban.

He said: “Executive power bodies have set the borders where the sale and consumption will be banned on the eve and day of a match.”

In February authorities said fans are allowed to bring cocaine, marijuana and even heroin to stadiums if they have medical documents.

England kick off their campaign against Tunisia in the city of Volgograd on June 18.

Gareth Southgate’s side then face Panama in Nizhny Novogorod on June 24 and Belgium in Kaliningrad four days later.