Bars and restaurants in Southport are turning red for the Champions League final tonight, with dozens of places being forced to turn away customers at full capacity.
Food and drink outlets across the resort, as well as in Birkdale and Ainsdale, are reporting huge upturns in bookings for this Saturday, thought to be directly linked to people wanting to go out for the Champions League Final.
The game kicks off at 8 pm and sees Liverpool FC face Spanish champions Real Madrid in Paris.
A number of bars have now said their reservation list for tables is full and are turning people away.
Liverpool fan Andy Tiller told OTS News he had originally been told he was working during the final but after his shift got cancelled, he is now struggling to find a venue to watch the game.
“I didn’t expect to be going out and off the leash so it’s all been very last minute.
“Every place I’ve called just doesn’t have a spare table and it’s standing room only.
“The ones that are available are charging extortionate deposits.
“I’ve been put on a few waiting lists but I would rather watch the game surrounded by other fans than in my living room.
“The atmosphere just wouldn’t be the same.”