Venezuelan organizers of the South America's nations championship said Friday they will ban the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in and around the nine stadiums where the matches will be played.

Defense Minister Raul Isaias Baduel, also in charge of the tournament's security, said authorities will expel anybody under the influence of alcohol or any other substances that impair their abilities.

Venezuela will host its first Copa America from June 26-July 15.

The alcohol ban is also a first for one of South America's greatest booze-consuming countries where swilling beer during sports games is a tradition _ much like in other soccer-loving nations.

Venezuelans consume about 80 liters of beer per person annually, according to industry figures, while giant billboards of voluptuous beauties advertising alcohol are ubiquitous across the country's highways.

President Hugo Chavez, incensed by public displays of drinking, ordered the National Guard in October to get rid of beer trucks that sell directly on the streets of poor neighborhoods.

However, that order appears to have had little effect, and police rarely impose laws that prohibit alcohol consumption in public areas.

Baduel urged Venezuelans to help authorities carry out the ban during the Copa America, saying the measure was necessary to help prevent conflicts and ensure an orderly atmosphere during the games.

The announcement of the alcohol ban came the same day CONMEBOL said it would stage the draw for the Copa America on Feb. 14.

Teams will be divided for the first round into three groups, headed by Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela.

Organizers expect nearly 500,000 visitors for the tournament.