UK Christmas market introduces very controversial drinks rule and people aren't going to be happy about it
The festive season is just around the corner, which means Brits all over will soon be booking half-days off work with pals and planning weekend excursions with their loved ones to visit the beloved German markets in their local town or city.
However, one UK Christmas market hotspot is set to introduce a pretty controversial rule which will apply to visitors in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour on the site.
When it comes to the build-up to Christmas, I'm sure many of you will agree that a visit to your local batch of festive stalls is an absolute must.
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From around mid-November, town centres and city squares suddenly become littered with Germanic log-cabins and beer houses, each of which are full to the brim with customers carrying Christmas cheer.
As well as pubs and eateries, the markets also boast shops and stalls, often selling unique or home-made merchandise, aimed at telling that special someone you've been thinking of them this festive season.
All in all, Christmas markets provide a pretty solid day-into-night get-together for hundreds of thousands of UK dwellers each year.
You start the day ticking gifts off your to-buy list, and finish the evening belting out 'Fairytale of New York' in your town square, having been sipping on mulled wine since 4pm.
However, a controversial rule has been introduced to limit the amount of drinks consumed in Christmas market areas of a popular festive hotspot.
The area affected? Birmingham - the legendary Frankfurt Christmas Market, in particular.
If you haven't visited the wooden huts lining the city's Victoria Square, you might be surprised to learn that the site is actually the biggest German market outside of its home-country.
Apparently, however, those planning on paying the festive hotspot a visit this year should prepare themselves to abide by a rule regarding drinking, which only permits one alcoholic beverage per customer.
"One drink per person," a sign put up in the market's construction zone reads.
"We ask for your understanding that we are only allowed to sell one alcoholic drink per person."
The decision forms part of a wider movement in the city, which is aimed at eradicating minors consuming alcohol.
"This is part of a campaign to ensure that alcoholic drinks are not being bought for market visitors who are underage," the sign added.
Despite the commendable aim of the decision, it seems the dubious decree has rubbed a lot of Brummies up the wrong way.
One social media recently penned on Facebook: "(With the) price of it who can afford more than one? I’ve had my fill of the German market. They can stick it."
Another admitted: "I am Birmingham born and bred and while I am always up for a great night out, visiting the German market will definitely not be on my to-do list."
A third went on: "As if the queues weren’t long enough. I’ve had my fill of the German market. They can stick it."
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is set to run from 1 November to 24 December 2024.
Tyla has contacted Birmingham City Council for comment.
Topics: Food and Drink, Christmas, UK News
Rhianna Benson