filbert
1st team Player
Posts: 1,177
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Post by filbert on Aug 20, 2009 10:30:28 GMT
Talking as an ex-steward at GGL I thank God that this rule is enforced. I saw many incidents with away fans that nearly got out of control. We are all volunteers and unlike some clubs (Woking) we get no professional training. As we have no police presence any more a non-alcohol zone outside the bars is essential. Please accept the majority vote Vern as I believe the club is correct.
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Post by The Editor on Aug 20, 2009 10:40:43 GMT
A couple of points. What is the big deal here? If Vern wants a pint. Have it in the bar. (No one has mentioned the cleaning up of discarded cups either). It almost seems as though people are affronted by not being allowed to drink, which isn't true - it's really about where to drink. Is it that big a problem? I don't think we'd raise much more revenue to make it worthwhile.
Secondly, why were the words programme editor in speech marks? The programme editor is a real description of a real person. And the Hayes chairman apologised to me in the bar after the game - but I still hate their club (the minority ruining it for the majority). But that is merely wanting to see them lose, not wishing any personal malice on anyone...
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Post by Nick the Greek/The Speshul One on Aug 20, 2009 11:14:05 GMT
As for banning smoking, it's an interesting point but I guess the difference is that there's plenty of room at GGL so that it doesn't become anti-social. Though I'm assuming it's banned in the stand? I was actually suggesting banning it as we want to be a child friendly club according to doublebarrell and therefore banning smoking would send the right message. Also clubs higher up the leagues have to by law.
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Post by Nick the Greek/The Speshul One on Aug 20, 2009 11:20:27 GMT
Ok a different point, how about we don't want our stand stinking of booze! Ban it from the stand, this wpould make sense so people don't have to get up every five minutes for a drink. The answer is no, there is minimal benefit which would be negated by people like myself not bringing kids to the games. Because a few people on the terraces wanted a beer? Go to the stand where drinking would be banned. As said before 45 mins is not long to go with out a drink - if it is not possible maybe you need to consider the 12 step program? Nobody has said that they have suggest some people may enjoy, so if it is not against league rules why don't we try it. Do we have this debate at the cinema? I enjoy a dink whilst watching a film, but they don't allow it! Is drinking banned form the cinema? Some serve drinks before, after and during the films I beleive (google it). No going to support another club that allows drinking is not an option before any makes that stupid suggestion.
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Post by Nick the Greek/The Speshul One on Aug 20, 2009 11:29:06 GMT
Vern, there were plenty of away fans who turned up "tanked up with alcohol " last season, who, if they had been allowed to have even more booze whilst on the terraces, would probably & most likely, have "lost control" and therefore would have needed even more "stewarding" to ensure that nothing "happened". As you'll probably see, we don't have that many stewards, and those who do steward, are only "volunteers", who don't need to have to worry about "drink induced incidents" ! The fact they were drunk before the game, suggests they would be drunk no matter what so saying another beer during the game would have made this worse is a mute point. I bet we served them more beer at half-time. The volunteers I've seen over the years do a great job, and if they are worried about "drink induced incidents" maybe we need to stop allowing drunk fans in to the game and serving them before the game and at half-time (would I get a refund on my season ticket ).
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Post by Nick the Greek/The Speshul One on Aug 20, 2009 11:38:02 GMT
Talking as an ex-steward at GGL I thank God that this rule is enforced. I saw many incidents with away fans that nearly got out of control. Filbert I don't really get your point are you saying serving during the game, which a few people have already pointed out is 45 minutes, would have made this worse in your opinion. We are all volunteers and unlike some clubs (Woking) we get no professional training. As we have no police presence any more a non-alcohol zone outside the bars is essential. Lack of training is really an issue the club should look into especially if the volunteer stewards feel this would be useful. Please accept the majority vote Vern as I believe the club is correct. I think it would be interesting if it did go to a vote. I find it funny that anyone who would like to enjoy a drink during the game is basically being called an alcoholic, and would defintely cause trouble.
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Post by vern on Aug 20, 2009 11:44:44 GMT
It's outrageous this tarring of drinkers with a big brush, reminds me of Thatcher calling all football fans hooligans in the 1980s.
Have a look at the bar at half-time - ten deep, the bar maids are stressed, and people necking their drinks really quickly, sometimes drinking up to three pints in 15 minutes or downing double vodkas. That's a medical and psychological cocktail that could lead to another Heysel.
Instead, like at Carshalton, Oval and Twickenham, people could sup decent ales at a steady pace while they watch their teams play, no pressure and no aggravation.
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Post by Nick the Greek/The Speshul One on Aug 20, 2009 11:46:01 GMT
A couple of points. What is the big deal here? If Vern wants a pint. Have it in the bar. ( No one has mentioned the cleaning up of discarded cups either). So are we closing the hut and servicing hatch under the stand? It almost seems as though people are affronted by not being allowed to drink, which isn't true - it's really about where to drink. Is it that big a problem? I don't think we'd raise much more revenue to make it worthwhile. It is about being a responsable adult and enjoying a drink whilst watching the game. I actually don't like what is being implied about those that think having a drink during the game would be okay. As I said at the beginning, for me it wouldn't be practical because of where the bar is. As the tunnel will be used by players during the game, also I think I've noticed this year the stewards are trying to cut down on the use ofthe tunnel which I would imagine is for the same reason. Secondly, why were the words programme editor in speech marks? The programme editor is a real description of a real person. And the Hayes chairman apologised to me in the bar after the game - but I still hate their club (the minority ruining it for the majority). But that is merely wanting to see them lose, not wishing any personal malice on anyone... Meh.
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Post by os on Aug 20, 2009 12:02:31 GMT
I am against alcohol in the ground its not very family friendly, I don't want my 6 yr old surrounded by drinkers because where alcohol is trouble is never far away.
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Post by Del on Aug 20, 2009 12:16:23 GMT
As no one replied to my previous question i'm guessing it is ok to take a coke in a plastic cup onto the terrace.
With regards to drinking alcohol on the terrace i can see both sides here and whereas i hardly ever bother to get a drink at the bar when i do its always very crowded and you feel you have to down your beer in 2 minutes flat in order not to miss too much of the game.Whilst we have smallish crowds in our big ground i can't see why it can't be tried again.
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Post by Nick the Greek/The Speshul One on Aug 20, 2009 12:21:38 GMT
As no one replied to my previous question i'm guessing it is ok to take a coke in a plastic cup onto the terrace. I would say not, as it could be vodka and coke. I think any alcohlic or poured drink from the bar may not be taken outside. However bottled or cartons of non-alcohlic beverages are fine.
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Post by hendonboy on Aug 20, 2009 12:48:54 GMT
Interesting reading. For the record at Hendon we've generally banned alcohol in the ground, but on one or two occasions have relaxed that to allow alcohol in plastic (too many people to police it with limited manpower unfortunately - and I for one didn't enjoy arguing with the Clitterhouse mob!). At some games it was unnecessary - preseason games, those against Purfleet with a crowd of 150 and so on - but when it comes to Dartford, Ramsgate or Wealdstone there can often be enough needle in the game and/or individuals that can't hold their drink properly that it just complicates things to introduce alcohol into the equation. Unfair on those that can handle themselves properly, but necessary to make things bearable for the volunteers.
Someone involved with that side of your club might know better than I, but my understanding has always been that grounds that have been used for Conference football in the last 20 years or so tend to remain designated grounds even when their clubs return to lower levels of football. If I'm right, it's a moot debate that everyone's having, although I'm by no means convinced that I am.
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Post by vern on Aug 20, 2009 12:52:14 GMT
Looks like we'll have to bring in bottles of coke with vodka in them from outside then. Shame.
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Post by Nick the Greek/The Speshul One on Aug 20, 2009 13:04:42 GMT
Looks like we'll have to bring in bottles of coke with vodka in them from outside then. Shame. See this is where we differ. I would like it to happen but if it isn't allowed I will, like I have, accept that. However I defend my right to debate why I can't see it being a problem.
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billy
1st team skipper
Posts: 2,627
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Post by billy on Aug 20, 2009 13:48:01 GMT
Are you suggesting football supporters are more stupid than cricket or rugby ones? Definitely
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