There will be no beer ban at the Aviva Stadium for Ireland's 2023 Six Nations games against France and England.
The IRFU took the decision following a survey carried on the Union's behalf by Opinions Market Research Limited across the Ireland v South Africa and Ireland v Australia games in the Autumn series.
In total 744 supporters over 18 were surveyed before and after matches, particularly relating to accessing food and beverage outlets during the games and how supporters bringing food and drink back affected others.
READ MORE: Johnny Sexton and Tadhg Furlong won't return for Leinster ahead of Six Nations
Almost seven in 10 (68%) of those surveyed claimed they would not support a ban on alcohol being brought into the stadium bowl during a match, with the number rising to 74% when the likely negative impact of such a move was explained.
Again, almost seven in 10 (68%) planned to have an alcoholic beverage during the games.
However one in four of those surveyed (25%) felt people getting up and coming back with drinks during the game greatly diminishes their experience of the game.
The findings indicated that a significant majority of supporters (68% - 74%) wish to continue to enjoy the option of having a drink in the bowl during the game.
Yet a significant minority (25%), including some respondents who want to have the option of enjoying a drink in their seats, find it inconvenient to have to stand for supporters leaving and returning with drinks during the game.
"Arising from these findings, a restriction on supporters’ ability to enjoy drinks at their seat is not considered an appropriate measure to take," read an IRFU statement.
"The IRFU is committed to putting in place measures, commencing at the upcoming Guinness Six Nations Tests against France and England, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the match day experience for all patrons at the Aviva Stadium.
"It will look to measure these actions and will continue to engage with its supporters on an ongoing basis.
"As part of the IRFU’s initiatives, specific actions will be trialled during the forthcoming Guinness Six Nations Championship including, piloting new protocols for access and egress to the bowl during the game in certain locations, running a multi-channel communications campaign for all attending the matches to be mindful of fellow supporters on leaving and returning to seats during the game, engaging with the stadium bar and catering operators to improve pre-match and half-time service times.
"Security and stewarding will be encouraging people to be respectful of others around re-entry to the bowl. The IRFU thanks all those who participated in the survey and will continue to monitor feedback."
READ NEXT:
Paudie Clifford's speech labelled 'horrible' and 'embarrassing' but not everyone agrees
Davy Russell partners first winner since returning to action
Youth World Cup winner and former Chelsea player on trial with Shamrock Rovers
New JP McManus purchase made favourite for Cheltenham race after win
Punter cashes out small stake bet for €32,000 but could have won €135,000
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
