Council chiefs admitted yesterday that trying to stop Glasgow Rangers fans drinking before Wednesday's Uefa Cup Final would be like telling them to "stop breathing".
A by-law in Manchester bans drinking in some public areas - but Rangers fans are unlikely to face action if they enjoy a pint in designated areas.
Fan zones will be set up in the city for the tens of thousands of ticketless Rangers fans expected for the clash against Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium.
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Up to 100,000 Rangers fans are expected in the city and many hotels in the Bolton area have reported being booked up with fans from Scotland.
Chief Supt Gerry Donnellan said: "We will be taking a relaxed and friendly policing style. We hope that this style will be reciprocated by the fans."
Vicky Rosin, of Manchester City Council, said preventing fans from drinking would be like telling them to "stop breathing".
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