SPORTS GROUCH - BOOZE ABUSE

Posted 7/17/19

When I was a University of South Carolina student eons so, several fraternity brothers never saw the 4th quarters.

I remember escorting – i.e. physically carrying – a few out of the stadium …

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SPORTS GROUCH - BOOZE ABUSE

Posted

When I was a University of South Carolina student eons so, several fraternity brothers never saw the 4th quarters.
I remember escorting – i.e. physically carrying – a few out of the stadium and back to the frat house. 
When young people find stupid things to do, you can bet South Carolina undergraduates will lead the way.
This is just one grouchy fan’s observation on what being young and foolish was like back then and can be in our more progressive times.
Even as adults, some fans will go to great lengths to smuggle booze in mini-bottles into football stadiums and other arenas.
The fun of smuggling
If South Carolina relaxed its ban on selling booze at games, it might take some of the fun for some fans out of thinking they are getting away with something. 
Does the stuff taste better if you have to smuggle it in?
Booze was not banned for tailgaters. Neither were designated drivers or other safer ways to go home. 
The true boozaholic tailgaters never made it inside the stadiums anyway. They sat in their RVs and watched on TV, hoping the Lamecocks would run up the score so they didn’t have to stay awake for a comeback. 
Relaxing the rules
The Southeastern Conference’s Carrie Nation crowd apparently lost the battle over booze this year.
That should gladden the hearts of free marketers.
Unfortunately, it will do little to control booze abuse.
To its credit, South Carolina announced there will be no changes to the alcohol sales ban this season at Williams-Brice Stadium. Athletics Director Ray Tanner announced that as in previous years, the sale of alcoholic beverages will only be done for premium seats.
The upper crust who can afford them must show more restraint than those in the cheap seats.
Under study
Since the SEC rescinded its ban, only Texas A&M so far has decided to open alcohol sales to everybody.
Tanner said the school is looking at the challenges of selling alcohol throughout the stadium ranging from points-of-sale to other customer services impacting the fan experience.
Tanner said South Carolina will not decide on alcohol sales at games in all sports “until our study is complete.”
That’s sensible even if South Carolina is foregoing millions of dollars in additional revenue. 
Personally I’m not anti-booze, just anti-abuse. Anything that promotes responsible consumption should be encouraged.

The Sports Grouch welcomes your emails at ChronicleSports@yahoo.com .
 

Beer, South Carolina, Tanner

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