Food ban at ATP World Tour Finals angers supporters

The O2 Arena at night

It was quite a shock for supporters who were entering the O2 Arena to watch the ATP World Tour Finals as they had their food and drinks confiscated by the security while entering the arena.

The organisers have claimed to do so because of the UK’s raised terror threats over the months.

In August, the UK's terror threat level was raised from "substantial" to "severe" in response to conflicts in Iraq and Syria but while hand luggage restrictions on liquids remain at UK airports, the Department for Transport said (DfT) there were no restrictions on solid foods, such as fruit and sandwiches.

Many fans claim that the reason for the organisers to do so was not because of the terror threat but in fact, because of the lack of business the stalls at the venue were receiving.

Martin Allpress, 58, from Essex, said security prevented him and his wife from taking in grapes, homemade sandwiches in a Tupperware container and some oranges. "They just threw the food and drink into a big bin," he told BBC News.

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,” he said.

The ATP World Tour Finals are taking place at the O2 Arena from 9^th to 16^th November.