O2 tennis fans forced to bin wine gums and grapes over terror fears
Tennis fans visiting London's O2 Arena have had their snacks and drinks confiscated by security due to the UK's raised terror threat, organisers of the ATP World Tour Finals said.
Visitors told the BBC they were "shocked and disappointed" when their sweets and sandwiches were binned.
Martin Allpress, 58, from Essex, said he and his wife packed homemade sandwiches, grapes and some oranges but were stopped from taking these past security.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: "They just threw the food and drink into a big bin.
"It was nothing to do with security, it was clearly to boost the profit of businesses inside the venue.
"I managed to get in some wine gums by hiding them."
Fans described the prices of food and drink at the venue as "extortionate" after being charged £5 for a large cup of fizzy drink and almost £4 for a coffee.
According to the Evening Standard, a statement from the O2 Arena and ATP World Tour said: "The event's policy on food and beverages being brought into the arena is one of a number of additional security measures being implemented this year.
"In addition to being printed on the tickets, the additional security measures have been communicated via email to all ticket holders prior to the event."
The O2 Arena said it was "easier, fairer and quicker for all guests to have a blanket 'no food and drink policy' than get into specifics, which would be unmanageable and cause unnecessary delays".
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