Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleTom JeffreysSaturday 20 June 2026 09:32 BSTRelated video: Scotland fans drink Boston bars dry as Tartan army descends for World CupA World Cup drinking ban is being enforced on 7,300 criminals through high-tech ankle tags.Around 5,000 offenders, either released from prison or serving community sentences, had alcohol-sensitive tags fitted before the tournament, with 2,300 more expected to receive them.The tags analyse a wearer’s sweat 24 hours a day, alerting probation officers if alcohol is consumed, and can distinguish between being in a pub and actively drinking.Prisons, probation and reducing reoffending minister Lord James Timpson said that the measure aims to prevent alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder during major sporting events.Since the technology's rollout in 2020, offenders banned from alcohol have remained sober for 97 per cent of the days they were tagged, with violations potentially leading to court or prison.In fullThousands of UK criminals hit with World Cup drinking ban: ‘One slip up could send them to jail’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in