England and Scotland fans heading to Germany for Euro 2024 must adhere to strict laws on simple differences between the countries or face a hefty fine.
For those heading to Germany, or simply interested in what you can expect to hear from fans during the month-long tournament, listen up to these local laws that could catch you out.
While the Euros party will be in full swing with England hoping to go all the way and Scotland hoping to win a game, unlike their Euro 2020 campaign. It will be very easy to be caught out by drinking laws across different places in Germany, with some specific areas enforcing different restrictions on public drinking.
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Football analyst and cultural expert at Free Bets Ireland, Alex Hemming, urged supporters to know the local laws of the city to avoid unnecessary punishment, he said: “If you’re caught drinking in these restricted areas, you could face fines up to €50. Always check local regulations to avoid unnecessary penalties.”
Germany also enforces pedestrian crossing laws, which could lead to a €5-€10 fine that can simply be avoided by waiting for the green signal before crossing. Another law to remember on the street is the country’s commitment to quiet times, known as ‘Ruhezeit’.
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(Image: Andy Stenning)
Noise restrictions are taken very seriously between 10pm-6am on weekdays and all day on Sundays and public holidays. Alex explained: “Violating these rules can result in fines starting from €50, which can increase significantly based on the disturbance caused.”
This is crucial to remember with England’s group games against Serbia and Slovenia, and Scotland’s matches against Switzerland and Hungary all kicking off at 9pm local time.
Another concern that goes hand in hand with public drinking and late night celebrations are the country’s recycling and littering laws. “Failing to sort your recyclables correctly can lead to fines ranging from €20 to €100. Familiarise yourself with the local recycling system to avoid these penalties,” Alex advised.
(Image: Getty Images)
Tourist taxes ranging from 3% to 5% a night per person can also be billed at some hotels, while cash still remains king as Alex explained: “In areas especially outside major cities, not all places accept cards.
Carrying cash can save you from hassle and ensure smoother transactions.”
However, should you find yourself in trouble for any minor lapse by the constabulary, Alex’s final piece of advice is to use “simple German phrases like ‘Guten Tag’ for greetings and ‘Danke’ for thanks can go a long way in showing respect and avoiding misunderstandings that might lead to disputes or fines.”