Van The Man’s Alcohol Ban

Van Morrison has banned the sale of alcohol at his U.K. concerts, apparently because he finds it “off-putting to have the audience moving around.”

The legendary musician – who battled alcohol addiction in the ’70s and ’80s – told bosses at the Brighton Dome not to sell beer or anything stronger before or during his Sept. 19 performance.

The same message has gone out to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall, where he is playing Oct. 3-4.

“We have had a policy of no drinks being taken into the hall because certain artists find it off-putting to have the audience moving around,” concert promoter Danny Betesh reportedly said.

A few U.K. papers reported some fans unhappy because the ruling came after they bought tickets.

“I enjoy listening to music while having a few pints and I can’t see a problem with that. I know he’s got a grumpy reputation but I didn’t realise he wants to take the fun out of going to his own gigs,” a longtime fan told the Daily Telegraph.

The Irish singer/songwriter insists his decision is not an attempt to impose his lifestyle on his audience.

Morrison has previously said he finds it annoying when his fans walk around during his shows because he thinks they should savor the experience of seeing him perform.

A spokeswoman for the Brighton Dome said, “It’s not hugely common, but we hire out the venue so we played no part in the decision.”