Alcohol during the game in England

[Stairway 2 7]

English taskforce are going to recommend alcohol in your seat during the game in England, we can't even have in the concourse.. If the can have it at Millwall v Cardiff or West ham v Leeds then there is no reason we can't have against motherwell. Would be worth a shedload of money

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12416189/drinking-in-seats-at-football-grounds-could-be-reinstated-as-part-of-a-fan-led-review-into-the-game

[Pretty Boy]

The last time the discussion about alcohol at football in Scotland reared it's head seriously I remember it was discussed on Sportsound. Richard Gordon went on some irrelevant ramble about a game in the 70s at which a sea of glass bottles flew over his head and smashed off the roof of the stand.

I think that is part of the problem. A lot of people seem to envisage a return to slabs of beer and half bottles being carted into the ground rather than a regulated and organised service providing a limited, and likely overpriced, offering. The fact is in normal times a ST holder can drink in the ground at ER already. You go in one door to Behind the Goals, buy as many pints as you like then go out and back in another door to your seat. I fail to see why that is hugely different to standing with a pint on a concourse or even taking a beer to your seat.

Much like food at a game no one needs a pint. Why does that mean the option shouldn't be available though? You can get pished in a pub 5 minutes walk from ER and go to the game, you can get pished in a bar inside the ground and still attend the game but in the eyes of some a pint inside the ground is going to lead to societal breakdown. It's time to have an adult discussion about it. If nothing else it's another potential sponsorship and revenue opportunity for the legaue as a whole and Hibs as a club.

[Scouse Hibee]

Not interested in alcohol at the game and certainly wouldn’t want a pint in my seat, I go for the football, can have a pint before and after if I wish. Also like to have my hands free not a pint sloshing about every time I get excited.

[MartinfaePorty]

The last time the discussion about alcohol at football in Scotland reared it's head seriously I remember it was discussed on Sportsound. Richard Gordon went on some irrelevant ramble about a game in the 70s at which a sea of glass bottles flew over his head and smashed off the roof of the stand.

I think that is part of the problem. A lot of people seem to envisage a return to slabs of beer and half bottles being carted into the ground rather than a regulated and organised service providing a limited, and likely overpriced, offering. The fact is in normal times a ST holder can drink in the ground at ER already. You go in one door to Behind the Goals, buy as many pints as you like then go out and back in another door to your seat. I fail to see why that is hugely different to standing with a pint on a concourse or even taking a beer to your seat.

Much like food at a game no one needs a pint. Why does that mean the option shouldn't be available though? You can get pished in a pub 5 minutes walk from ER and go to the game, you can get pished in a bar inside the ground and still attend the game but in the eyes of some a pint inside the ground is going to lead to societal breakdown. It's time to have an adult discussion about it. If nothing else it's another potential sponsorship and revenue opportunity for the legaue as a whole and Hibs as a club.

I think that's a pretty reasonable summing up of it. My initial reaction was to think about the worst that could happen, rather than anything positive, but I've been to many games abroad where alcohol has been on sale during the game and it's never been an issue.

[Stairway 2 7]

Not interested in alcohol at the game and certainly wouldn’t want a pint in my seat, I go for the football, can have a pint before and after if I wish. Also like to have my hands free not a pint sloshing about every time I get excited.

And that is your choice but that's different from stopping people who do want to. It could even be in the concourse first and not category a games.

[overdrive]

I enjoy a pint at my seat when I go to rugby games. Between the premium price that would be charged (as PB mentioned) and the likely wait time to buy a pint, I can't see many instances of folk getting smashed unless they are well on their way beforehand which is an issue at the moment anyway.

[pollution]

The queues at the kiosks are bad enough, can you imagine how long it would take to pour a pint with a proper head ?

Between that and the chip counter you would miss the whole game probably.

In fact, why not sell tickets to stand in these queues only, separate to tickets to watch the game.

[greenginger]

And that is your choice but that's different from stopping people who do want to. It could even be in the concourse first and not category a games.


Yep, make a cautious start, monitor it , and assess if any further sales opportunities can be made or drop the whole idea if there’s problems.


They could also offer the alcohol free stuff to the grunts that occupy the south stand during cat. A games. They’re to thick to know the difference ! :greengrin

[SChibs]

The queues at the kiosks are bad enough, can you imagine how long it would take to pour a pint with a proper head ?

Between that and the chip counter you would miss the whole game probably.

In fact, why not sell tickets to stand in these queues only, separate to tickets to watch the game.

Just do what they do at festivals and have two people to a till, one constantly pouring pints and one dealing with the money and giving out of the pints.

[bod]

I’m all for it in the concourse never gave it a thought drinking whilst watching the game but makes no difference than the person next to me drinking coffee

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

This is an interesting counter point to the ongoing debate about getting betting companies out of football because of the potential harm that they can do in terms of addiction.

[Coco Bryce]

Just do what they do at festivals and have two people to a till, one constantly pouring pints and one dealing with the money and giving out of the pints.

That's fine until someone orders a cocktail.

[Sir David Gray]

I'm personally not too bothered as I normally drive to games but I think there should be the option to allow people to purchase alcohol at games but this will never get the go ahead so it's almost a pointless discussion just now.

[Pretty Boy]

The queues at the kiosks are bad enough, can you imagine how long it would take to pour a pint with a proper head ?

Between that and the chip counter you would miss the whole game probably.

In fact, why not sell tickets to stand in these queues only, separate to tickets to watch the game.

I think this may be a bit of the American influence shining through from RG.

Sporting events in the US are much more about the day as a whole rather than just the game. Things like tailgating and the food offerings are far more important in sports like American football than they are at football here. Even in the UK I think people are more inclined to turn up early for a day at the races or even a rugby international than they are a football match and the food and drink offered reflects that.

RG has been vocal about reintroducing alcohol at the game in the past and it may we ll be with half an eye on getting people in the ground earlier, giving them time to get a bite to eat and a drink, providing reason for them to do so and getting them putting their hands in their pockets as well.

[heretoday]

The queues at the kiosks are bad enough, can you imagine how long it would take to pour a pint with a proper head ?

Between that and the chip counter you would miss the whole game probably.

In fact, why not sell tickets to stand in these queues only, separate to tickets to watch the game.

Good point! I suggest "beer phones" in club colours. Attendants could run up and down the aisles keeping them topped up. No need to miss a moment of the action.

[silverhibee]

Not interested in alcohol at the game and certainly wouldn’t want a pint in my seat, I go for the football, can have a pint before and after if I wish. Also like to have my hands free not a pint sloshing about every time I get excited.

Can just imagine being covered in drink after a goal is scored.

[Since90+2]

Wouldn't mind the option of a beer at the game. Would have been nice at the St Mirren game as it was melting in the East stand.

And before anyone says it, yes I can go 2 hours without alcohol, I don't need a pint, just having the option would be quite nice.

[Diclonius]

My one experience of alcohol being allowed during a game was when I attended hospitality a couple years ago (great experience otherwise, thanks admins!) when we played Rangers. Were a few people who had quite a bit to drink before kickoff and almost immediately after we got to our seats a fight broke out next to us. This continued verbally inside the hospitality section at half time, bizarrely between Hibs fans as opposed to us and Rangers.

Based on that experience, and personally with alcohol in general, I wouldn't want it anywhere near football. That said, I'm teetotal so probably biased. :rolleyes:

[bod]

Can just imagine being covered in drink after a goal is scored.

Do you get covered in cola or coffee just now when we score ? I put my coffee between my feet rather than hold it all the time ,might be different if I was standing at the game mind you .

[Winston Ingram]

I definitely think people should be allowed a pint at the ground. If you want a pint beforehand, you just go to a pub, so I see no difference in whether the pint is drunk there or at the ground. The revenue it provides would be a game changer.

Drinking at your seat however, I completely disagree with. Firstly, i've done this in Germany and it was a complete pain in the arse, those around me constantly getting up to get a pint. There was also a bloke with a beer back-pack on running about regularly obstructing my view to skoosh beer into a plastic pint of fans in front of me.

On top of that, the trend of lobbing your pint in the air when your team score, which was demonstrated in the fan parks and pubs during the Euros would likely continue into the ground.

[CockneyRebel]

Not interested in alcohol at the game and certainly wouldn’t want a pint in my seat, I go for the football, can have a pint before and after if I wish. Also like to have my hands free not a pint sloshing about every time I get excited.


It's bad enough with my cuppa going up and down to the floor every time we break away in a match. A pint's worse (no lid) and if you can buy beer and take it to your seat during the match how much of the match could you potentially miss, getting up and down to let folk through and also folk in front of you doing the same?

I used to go to the pub before and after a game, as much to socialise with my Hibs pals as for getting a pint. Now I just go after the match and I only drink during the match if I'm watching it in the pub or at home.

My experiences when an STH at Selhurst Park were long queues, crap beer/lager, prices higher than a Soho clip joint and long trips to the loo.

[Diclonius]

Do you get covered in cola or coffee just now when we score ? I put my coffee between my feet rather than hold it all the time ,might be different if I was standing at the game mind you .

I was holding a cup of water when Horgan scored the second at Tynecastle. I actually attempted to put it down but to no avail.

Don't think anyone noticed.

[H18 SFR]

It's bad enough with my cuppa going up and down to the floor every time we break away in a match. A pint's worse (no lid) and if you can buy beer and take it to your seat during the match how much of the match could you potentially miss, getting up and down to let folk through and also folk in front of you doing the same?

I used to go to the pub before and after a game, as much to socialise with my Hibs pals as for getting a pint. Now I just go after the match and I only drink during the match if I'm watching it in the pub or at home.

My experiences when an STH at Selhurst Park were long queues, crap beer/lager, prices higher than a Soho clip joint and long trips to the loo.

A game at Palace is on my bucket list, any tips on getting tickets,

[CockneyRebel]

A game at Palace is on my bucket list, any tips on getting tickets,

Easiest way I think is to go online and type in Holmsdale which will bring up the supporters forum (named after a stand) and introduce yourself and ask about getting a ticket. Let me know how you get on and if you get no luck I will see what I can do. Lost touch with my old drinking gang and I'm the only Eagle in the family (the rest are younger than me and went gloryhunting..... Arsenal/Chelsea/Spurs/Hammers supporters.....boo!).

[H18 SFR]

Easiest way I think is to go online and type in Holmsdale which will bring up the supporters forum (named after a stand) and introduce yourself and ask about getting a ticket. Let me know how you get on and if you get no luck I will see what I can do. Lost touch with my old drinking gang and I'm the only Eagle in the family (the rest are younger than me and went gloryhunting..... Arsenal/Chelsea/Spurs/Hammers supporters.....boo!).

Appreciate it.

[stu in nottingham]

I'd tend to at least trial alcohol on the concourses in Scotland. I think it would be more problem-free than drinking in the seats. The idea of taking drinks to the seats at the football has never really grabbed me personally, I've seldom ever bought a drink on the concourse at Forest or Notts either. Maybe I'd feel differently if we regularly sat baking in 30C weather at the games. In the winter I'm happier with a hot drink at half time.

Contrast that with going to ice hockey games. Drink is allowed anywhere in the stadium. I'll tend to enjoy taking one into the game and maybe one of the breaks will see me descending the stairways for another one. Ironically, sitting in a t-shirt in a comfortable ice stadium on a Saturday night feels much more conducive to having a pint to me. I realise we don't all feel the same about these things though so fair enough for those who want it. It wouldn't change my match day routine in the slightest though.

[Bristolhibby]

Been to games down here in England. Have a pint in a plastic cup before KO. Maybe have a quick one at HT. no bother.

Going back to the Rec Tomorrow for the Bath v Newcastle rugby match. Will 100% be having some pints of Thatchers at my seat watching the game. Again, no bother.

Huge revenue stream for the club.

If rugby can do it so can football.

J

[jgl07]

Drinking in football grounds has never been a major issue for me. The limited time available, the queues, the plastic glasses all tend to put me off. Before I moved to Edinburgh, I rarely drank at matches. Having said that I would have been annoyed to be banned from drinking!

When I go to matches at the Etihad, I do often have a glass of wine before the match and sometimes at half time. However it is not a major issue. At Hibs I either travel by bus or ride my motorbike. I might consider a drink if on the bus but not otherwise.

[JoeT]

Last time I remember drinking in a football stadium was Bolton. Friendly/testimonial and as a club we were embarrassed by some of our travellers. Its a no from me. 2 hours break for some is a good idea

[SMAXXA]

I'm personally not too bothered as I normally drive to games but I think there should be the option to allow people to purchase alcohol at games but this will never get the go ahead so it's almost a pointless discussion just now.

What’s the point of discussing it if it’s not going to change? Surly the only way it will change is by discussing it. I wouldn’t be so sure we won’t see alcohol introduced before the start of next season to some degree

[Haymaker]

I get a beer when I go to Energy Drink FC games here in New Jersey. Never have a problem with spilling it in celebration (at $13 a pop I would be fuming) because they ****ing score.

[The Harp Awakes]

Not interested in alcohol at the game and certainly wouldn’t want a pint in my seat, I go for the football, can have a pint before and after if I wish. Also like to have my hands free not a pint sloshing about every time I get excited.

Snap. Love a pint before the game and sometimes after the game, but have 100% focus on the pitch during a match..

We have endless opportunities to drink alcohol. Doesn't mix with sport for me.

[Jones28]

As referenced in the away fans thread from Thursday: the bams are already drinking in the stadiums. They will, in all likelihood continue to drink in stadiums by sneaking in buck fast etc, so why should the rest of us be denied a pint in the ground?

I’m sure early on in Ron’s tenure he talked about supporters coming to the ground earlier and leaving later, spending money in the stadium and bumping revenue. I for one would happily go to the ground an hour or so before kick off for a few pints at the stadium instead.

[Stairway 2 7]

As referenced in the away fans thread from Thursday: the bams are already drinking in the stadiums. They will, in all likelihood continue to drink in stadiums by sneaking in buck fast etc, so why should the rest of us be denied a pint in the ground?

I’m sure early on in Ron’s tenure he talked about supporters coming to the ground earlier and leaving later, spending money in the stadium and bumping revenue. I for one would happily go to the ground an hour or so before kick off for a few pints at the stadium instead.

And the young bams are still going to get recked in a house on cans. They won't be coming in early paying a 5er a pint in the stadium. Plus games could be categorised, the amount of drunks you see at a category b at 3pm is minimal

[EI255]

English taskforce are going to recommend alcohol in your seat during the game in England, we can't even have in the concourse.. If the can have it at Millwall v Cardiff or West ham v Leeds then there is no reason we can't have against motherwell. Would be worth a shedload of money

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12416189/drinking-in-seats-at-football-grounds-could-be-reinstated-as-part-of-a-fan-led-review-into-the-gameWe won't. And the reason is that when Celtic and Rangers get together there would be major mayhem.

In Scotland, and I'm referring to the above two in particular, its sectarian fuelled aggro mixed with the booze. It spills into the stands and is poisonous. Partners get beaten up later that night or the day after

Your Leeds, Millwall, Cardiff etc it's sections of hard core casuals (which the police control very well), some don't even drink. Organised violence without any requirement of alcohol.

Unfortunately, it wouldn't ever be possible during a Weeg derby, hence the reason I can't ever seeing the authorities allowing booze into our stadiums, never mind to our seats.

It's a pity, cause I'd enjoy that match day experience. But the knuckle dragging Glasgow two ruin any chance of that. As usual.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[overdrive]

I don’t think it’s necessarily the drink that’s the main issue with the young name but rather what they are shoving up their noses. Seems rife amongst them.

[hibby rae]

We won't. And the reason is that when Celtic and Rangers get together there would be major mayhem.

In Scotland, and I'm referring to the above two in particular, its sectarian fuelled aggro mixed with the booze. It spills into the stands and is poisonous. Partners get beaten up later that night or the day after

Your Leeds, Millwall, Cardiff etc it's sections of hard core casuals (which the police control very well), some don't even drink. Organised violence without any requirement of alcohol.

Unfortunately, it wouldn't ever be possible during a Weeg derby, hence the reason I can't ever seeing the authorities allowing booze into our stadiums, never mind to our seats.

It's a pity, cause I'd enjoy that match day experience. But the knuckle dragging Glasgow two ruin any chance of that. As usual.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

In Germany, in my experience, they only sell non-alcoholic beer during category A games. So that would probably be any game involving the Old Firm

[Keith_M]

The queues at the kiosks are bad enough, can you imagine how long it would take to pour a pint with a proper head ?

Between that and the chip counter you would miss the whole game probably.

In fact, why not sell tickets to stand in these queues only, separate to tickets to watch the game.


That's a good point.

The kiosks are already slow enough as it is, so they might have to consider having separate serving areas for booze.

In actual fact, since moving to the FF Lower, I've now given up on any possibility of even having a cup of coffee or drink of juice at half-time (as I always did before), as spending 30 minutes waiting for it doesn't really seem worthwhile.

[The dalmeny]

Not interested in alcohol at the game and certainly wouldn’t want a pint in my seat, I go for the football, can have a pint before and after if I wish. Also like to have my hands free not a pint sloshing about every time I get excited.

with you here

[hibbysam]

We won't. And the reason is that when Celtic and Rangers get together there would be major mayhem.

In Scotland, and I'm referring to the above two in particular, its sectarian fuelled aggro mixed with the booze. It spills into the stands and is poisonous. Partners get beaten up later that night or the day after

Your Leeds, Millwall, Cardiff etc it's sections of hard core casuals (which the police control very well), some don't even drink. Organised violence without any requirement of alcohol.

Unfortunately, it wouldn't ever be possible during a Weeg derby, hence the reason I can't ever seeing the authorities allowing booze into our stadiums, never mind to our seats.

It's a pity, cause I'd enjoy that match day experience. But the knuckle dragging Glasgow two ruin any chance of that. As usual.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

But then you take a step back, they get tanked up already, possibly more so. They wouldn’t be drinking for 2 hours straight, would be a couple before the game and possibly at half time. But like I said, they’re already leathered so this wouldn’t affect them. The rest would drink in a civilised way. It’s not going to create bother as the bother you’ve described is happening with drink banned so that’s clearly not working!

[Since90+2]

We won't. And the reason is that when Celtic and Rangers get together there would be major mayhem.

In Scotland, and I'm referring to the above two in particular, its sectarian fuelled aggro mixed with the booze. It spills into the stands and is poisonous. Partners get beaten up later that night or the day after

Your Leeds, Millwall, Cardiff etc it's sections of hard core casuals (which the police control very well), some don't even drink. Organised violence without any requirement of alcohol.

Unfortunately, it wouldn't ever be possible during a Weeg derby, hence the reason I can't ever seeing the authorities allowing booze into our stadiums, never mind to our seats.

It's a pity, cause I'd enjoy that match day experience. But the knuckle dragging Glasgow two ruin any chance of that. As usual.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

Your average old firm supporter is no more prone to violence than some of the clubs mentioned. I'd argue that some of them like Millwall, Leeds and West Ham will have a higher proportion of bams who would resort to violence.

Celtic and Rangers are a very noisy bunch of supporters but I think it's very much bark worse than bite on the majority of occasions.

[hibby rae]

A game at Palace is on my bucket list, any tips on getting tickets,

I've seen them advertised on the twickets app before.

People upload their tickets and you pay face value plus a small admin charge (which is insurance foe your ticket money) and then download the ticket. You can set alerts so you know when tickets have been put up

Used it a couple times before for gig tickets and is quite reliable.

[Stairway 2 7]

Your average old firm supporter is no more prone to violence than some of the clubs mentioned. I'd argue that some of them like Millwall, Leeds and West Ham will have a higher proportion of bams who would resort to violence.

Celtic and Rangers are a very noisy bunch of supporters but I think it's very much bark worse than bite on the majority of occasions.

Home fans only sorts that. Non old firm games at celtic Park and Ibrox is like being at the library

[Keith_M]

For what it's worth, fans in Germany seem to be able to drink beer at games without having a riot. The fact that it's nearly always overpriced p1ss they're serving may have a hand in that, I suppose.

One thing that they could clamp down on is letting people into the ground who are quite clearly p1ssed already. That's the case especially at Hampden, where quite a lot of folk have a total booze fest before the match and some of them act like total ignorant bampots inside the ground.

[LongJohnBanger]

We won't. And the reason is that when Celtic and Rangers get together there would be major mayhem.

In Scotland, and I'm referring to the above two in particular, its sectarian fuelled aggro mixed with the booze. It spills into the stands and is poisonous. Partners get beaten up later that night or the day after

Your Leeds, Millwall, Cardiff etc it's sections of hard core casuals (which the police control very well), some don't even drink. Organised violence without any requirement of alcohol.

Unfortunately, it wouldn't ever be possible during a Weeg derby, hence the reason I can't ever seeing the authorities allowing booze into our stadiums, never mind to our seats.

It's a pity, cause I'd enjoy that match day experience. But the knuckle dragging Glasgow two ruin any chance of that. As usual.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

The simple solution would be not to sell it at their games rather than 'punishing' everyone else, no?

[mutley]

I’m not fussy either way, but I’ve been to Murrayfield a few times and had drinks (beer) during the matches with no problems whatsoever


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[The Spaceman]

I enjoy a pint at my seat when I go to rugby games. Between the premium price that would be charged (as PB mentioned) and the likely wait time to buy a pint, I can't see many instances of folk getting smashed unless they are well on their way beforehand which is an issue at the moment anyway.

Rugby has a far superior match day experience versus the football and being able to take a pint to your seat a big part of that.

[Sir David Gray]

What’s the point of discussing it if it’s not going to change? Surly the only way it will change is by discussing it. I wouldn’t be so sure we won’t see alcohol introduced before the start of next season to some degree

Absolutely no chance of that in my opinion. The current government won't approve it so therefore it is a pointless discussion at this stage.

[Stairway 2 7]

If the TV screens show English fans having it in their seats, there will be a big push to at least have in our concourses. Not that long ago it seems unimaginable there would be standing at epl games

[CMurdoch]

Your average old firm supporter is no more prone to violence than some of the clubs mentioned. I'd argue that some of them like Millwall, Leeds and West Ham will have a higher proportion of bams who would resort to violence.

Celtic and Rangers are a very noisy bunch of supporters but I think it's very much bark worse than bite on the majority of occasions.

There is a lot of truth in that.
Good post.

[CMurdoch]

Absolutely no chance of that in my opinion. The current government won't approve it so therefore it is a pointless discussion at this stage.

The current populist Conservative government would grant irresponsible daft ****.
Anything to keep folk onside and stay in power.
Boris is an irresponsible parent.

[Keith_M]

Absolutely no chance of that in my opinion. The current government won't approve it so therefore it is a pointless discussion at this stage.


I agree with the previous poster that the SG will most likely give in to pressure when this becomes established in England.

[LancashireHibby]

I drive to most Bolton home games so don’t have a beer, but that’s probably for the best as the queues are a nightmare.

Went to Charlton last night and the bar opened just before half time. £5.50 for a plastic glass of Heineken was probably the cheapest beer of the day, but there again we did have to stand outside and drink it in the rain. I do find though that the prospect of being able to have a beer in the ground might mean people do tend to turn up a bit earlier which can only be a good thing both from a revenue and crowd management point of view. Also means people aren’t quite so keen to pour it down their necks beforehand knowing they’ve no longer got 2 hours where they can’t too up.

[jgl07]

I have never seen any problems associated with selling alcoholic drinks during matches in England other than how to get served at half time and still have time to finish it. I would like the option of a drink before the match.

I don’t believe that selling drinks in the stadium was ever an issue in Scotland. The problem was people getting drunk before the match plus the quaint Scottish custom of taking a bottle of whisky into the match and pouring out glasses on the terraces.

I don’t expect any changes to be made. No surprise there!

[jgl07]

I agree with the previous poster that the SG will most likely give in to pressure when this becomes established in England.
It’s been established in England for as long as I can remember!

[Hibbyradge]

Easiest way I think is to go online and type in Holmsdale which will bring up the supporters forum (named after a stand) and introduce yourself and ask about getting a ticket. Let me know how you get on and if you get no luck I will see what I can do. Lost touch with my old drinking gang and I'm the only Eagle in the family (the rest are younger than me and went gloryhunting..... Arsenal/Chelsea/Spurs/Hammers supporters.....boo!).

The Clifton Arms used to be my local. I take it you know it?

[Winston Ingram]

I drive to most Bolton home games so don’t have a beer, but that’s probably for the best as the queues are a nightmare.

Went to Charlton last night and the bar opened just before half time. £5.50 for a plastic glass of Heineken was probably the cheapest beer of the day, but there again we did have to stand outside and drink it in the rain. I do find though that the prospect of being able to have a beer in the ground might mean people do tend to turn up a bit earlier which can only be a good thing both from a revenue and crowd management point of view. Also means people aren’t quite so keen to pour it down their necks beforehand knowing they’ve no longer got 2 hours where they can’t too up.

Spurs charge £4.50 a pint at their new stadium.

[CockneyRebel]

The Clifton Arms used to be my local. I take it you know it?

I lived in Bellingham at the time so drove to the games with my wee brother and met my pals afterwards in The Railway tavern (Lower Sydenham or The King Alfred (Bellingham). Whenever I took the bus I still went straight to the ground as I worked most Saturday mornings and it was too tight for time. I had beer in the ground a few times but warm beer, plastic glasses, long queues and prices that would make a grown man cry all combined to put me off.

My drinking before and after a match began in Edinburgh in the mid eighties when I was led astray by my Hibs in-laws

[Tommy75]

Not sure how being able to simply buy 'a pint' just before KO or at HT would change the overall matchday experience unless, as someone else said, the ground was open early and you could go in a few hours before KO for a few drinks in the concourse. Even then, surely you'd want more than just one type of beer/lager to get the fans in (maybe even cider, wine etc?)

Also, not sure how thousands of single-use plastic cups would fit in to our 'greenest club in Scotland' agenda?

[nonshinyfinish]

Also, not sure how thousands of single-use plastic cups would fit in to our 'greenest club in Scotland' agenda?

They don't have to be single use – e.g. at Hertha Berlin you get a reusable plastic cup and pay a deposit (€1 I think?) which you get back when returning the cup. Obviously some don't bother, so you see kids collecting empties for the deposits. IIRC there was also an option to donate the deposit – you return the cup but the deposit goes to charity.

(That relies on sufficient kiosks/staffing to make returning cups seamless, but it can be done.)

[ozwoody]

In Australia, we can buy drinks through the game, after the game for 30-45 minutes, and take them to our seats.never seen a fight in 14 years at NRL games.
There have been issues at football games due to dynamics of nationalities involved.
These are mostly people from Europe/Balkan countries. This is also same when we play football on a Sunday morning, the European players are the trouble makers, so it's not the drinks, it's the people

[ozwoody]

So I suggest it's not the fact it's the alcohol on sale, its the abuse of that within the crowd. In the members sections here it's full strength beer, In the general admission it's half strength

[Bristolhibby]

Not sure how being able to simply buy 'a pint' just before KO or at HT would change the overall matchday experience unless, as someone else said, the ground was open early and you could go in a few hours before KO for a few drinks in the concourse. Even then, surely you'd want more than just one type of beer/lager to get the fans in (maybe even cider, wine etc?)

Also, not sure how thousands of single-use plastic cups would fit in to our 'greenest club in Scotland' agenda?

My son and my mates daughter made about £30 a pice collecting reusable pint pots at Bath Rugby at the weekend.

The thing Bath has that Hibs don’t though is a good area outside the stadium. Very easy to have a pint, chat to mates, Chuck a ball about. Don’t think that can be done at ER.

Bath also has a massive marquee / bar which at full time has a live band playing. We hung around for about an hour and a half drinking.

Fine on a warm September afternoon, terrible on a rainy January.

J

[Bristolhibby]

Spurs charge £4.50 a pint at their new stadium.

I’m going there next week for the NFL. If it’s £4.50 a pint I’ll be well happy.

J

[Jones28]

My son and my mates daughter made about £30 a pice collecting reusable pint pots at Bath Rugby at the weekend.

The thing Bath has that Hibs don’t though is a good area outside the stadium. Very easy to have a pint, chat to mates, Chuck a ball about. Don’t think that can be done at ER.

Bath also has a massive marquee / bar which at full time has a live band playing. We hung around for about an hour and a half drinking.

Fine on a warm September afternoon, terrible on a rainy January.

J

The area at the back of the east is the ideal spot for a fanzone, but like you say on a rubbish day it would be very exposed - you could do a canopy over the area if it was going to be a weekly thing.

I still find it a bit baffling that we didn’t make more of behind the goals. It’s a big space, the only real issue was the slow service.