CHERRIES supporters attending Saturday’s fixture with Manchester United at Vitality Stadium will be allowed more freedom where they can drink their pre-match pints.

That is due to a trial the club is running, allowing fans to buy alcohol and then consume it anywhere around the outside of the ground.

Home supporters will be able to purchase alcohol from various points of sale around the stadium and will then be permitted to consume them “anywhere within the green perimeter fencing”.

A statement from the club added: “This will encompass the entire footprint of the stadium, except for the area outside the away stand.”

There will be a “soft ticket check” at the perimeter fencing, where matchday tickets will need to be shown. Tickets will again later be scanned at the turnstiles as normal.

At a recent supporter experience group meeting, Paul Fudge, Cherries vice president of business and hospitality, said if this trial is successful, it could be rolled out more formally for next season. He added how it would also allow for more food and drink stalls to be implemented around the exterior of the stadium.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 5.30pm and is televised live on Sky Sports.