Council chiefs have admitted that trying to stop Rangers fans drinking before the Uefa Cup final would be like telling them to "stop breathing".
A by-law in Manchester bans drinking in some public areas - but supporters are unlikely to face police action if they enjoy a pint in designated areas.
Greater Manchester Police said they would take a "relaxed and friendly" approach at the event w
hen asked how the anti-drinking law would be enforced.
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 in Manchester next week.
The authorities did not go as far as saying the by-law would be suspended for the match, but suggested fans would be allowed to drink in the areas set aside for them.
When asked about drinking in public, Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan said: "We will be taking a relaxed and friendly policing style next Wednesday. We would appreciate if that sort of style was reciprocated by the fans."
He added: "I won't be telling them not to drink."
Vicky Rosin, assistant chief executive at Manchester City Council, said an attempt to prevent fans drinking would be like telling them to "stop breathing".
This relaxed attitude would only exist in the dedicated fan zones, however, and if supporters leave with a drink, they will be asked to return, Mr Donnellan said.
The fan zones are licensed areas with bars, he added, so supporters would not all be left drinking on the street.
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