England fans attending their inaugural World Cup match have been cautioned against consuming alcohol in cars en route to the game. In Texas, this behavior is strictly prohibited, with potential arrests leading to missing the game. Contrary to the English tradition of having a designated driver abstain from alcohol, while others indulge in beer on the way to the match, such practices are illegal in the vicinity of the England vs. Croatia game in Arlington near Dallas on June 17.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the head of football policing, emphasized the enforcement of laws in Texas, stating that passengers cannot drink alcohol in a moving vehicle, including cars. He advised fans to visit the official Foreign Office website to familiarize themselves with local laws in Texas for the first match, Massachusetts for the second, and New Jersey for the third.
Roberts stressed the importance of fans understanding local legislation to avoid conflicts with law enforcement, especially concerning driving and alcohol consumption. He urged fans to be respectful and mindful of law enforcement differences in the U.S., emphasizing the need for responsible behavior during their stay.
England is set to kick off their tournament in the intense Texas heat next Wednesday, with the team based in Kansas City and traveling to match venues. The World Cup will commence with a grand opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday, culminating in the final match in East Rutherford, New Jersey near New York on Sunday, July 19.
Moreover, the Mirror has reported an additional 20 percent charge on beers for England fans at the World Cup due to compulsory gratuities imposed by many pubs and restaurants. This measure aims to prevent underpaid staff from facing financial losses, with establishments opting for service charges on bills. While some fans have criticized this decision, others view it as a reasonable approach.
Various venues, including Kansas City, where many WAGS will accompany the team, are implementing the service charge policy. Cities like Dallas, Boston, and New York, hosting England’s group games, are witnessing more establishments adopting this practice to support service staff reliant on gratuities.
American bar staff and waiters, known for meager wages, heavily rely on customer tips to sustain their income, typically ranging between 15 and 20 percent.
