Dry Sports Bar at Isla Gladstone

A family day in North Liverpool this weekend will see the launch of the city’s first dry sports bar.

Families are invited to the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park to watch the Arsenal v Everton game together this Sunday (December 8), while sampling a range of delicious non-alcoholic cocktails courtesy of mixologists from Hotel Indigo.

Activities will be taking place throughout the day including beat the goalie, crossbar challenge, face painting and caged football; there will be a buffet and nibbles during half time, and Everton FC charity Everton in the Community is hosting a raffle with club prizes up for grabs.

Earlier in the day, five-a-side football teams from local community organisations will also compete for the Beautiful North Cup.

The dry sports bar has been set up as part of the Beautiful North partnership, with an aim of encouraging healthier lifestyles and shared family activities in North Liverpool.

It will offer an alternative football experience in a safe environment; the idea behind the dry bar is backed by evidence of the link between alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour and incidents of domestic violence around scheduled football matches.

If the pilot is successful there will be opportunities to run the dry sports bar on a more permanent basis to promote other local sporting events as well as football games.

Project outreach champion John Finnigan said: “We are piloting the dry sports bar to offer an alternative football experience for families and those who choose not to drink alcohol, as well as providing a quality offer to football fans.”

All food, mocktails and activities are free to those who attend. Free tickets are available by contacting john.finnigan@neighbourhoodinvestor.com.

The dry sports bar and family fun day is supported by Plus Dane Group, Vimto, the Beautiful North initiative, the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, Liverpool Homeless FC and Everton in the Community.

Liverpool Waterfront