FA Rules...beer before the game.

[bomber]

I got in to the new clubhouse 15 minutes before kick off & was refused a pint as the FA rules state 'no alcohol to be served 15 minutes before kick off'. 

Well I suggest the club read the rules again, because you can buy a pint 15 minutes before the game, provided the customer is in an area not in view of the pitch.

''The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 prevents:-



drunken entry into a football ground (which, in practice, to be an arrestable offence includes disorderly behaviour);

the consumption of alcohol within view of the playing area including, during the restricted period (15 minutes before the start of the event to 15 minutes after the end of the event), rooms within the ground from which the event may be directly viewed;''

(Note. This does not apply in hospitality areas )

I would suggest that the rules hark back to the dark days of football & are utterly OTT in this day & age.

[nobadspitfire]

A lot of new people working behind the bar, but the club do need to sort it out.

[taylov]

If only the rules were as simple as bomber suggests. I've come across several clubs that use the 15 minute rule as a means of clearing the bar(s) before ko.
 Those who have been supporting the Spitfires for more than a few years will be aware that County FA rules can also impact this area. Remember drinking pints on terrace at Bognor?     That's because the Sussex FA permit it. Local licencing authorities also may have an impact.

[thelake]

not quite if this is from the fa, the league (guideline or rule), the hampshire FA or the club.

either way its hard to see it will change whilst we are in this league. tip for next time turn up at least 16 mins before ko, or get a couple of pints if you are ordering 30 mins before, that saves queuing time as well. Win Win!!!!!!!!!!

[michaelefc]

The rules which say if one person is drinking in an area where the pitch is viewable, the curtain has to be drawn, is probably the most stupid rule I have ever heard. Football fans have been discriminated against by virtue of being football fans for decades; it is frankly outrageous. If it was happening to any other group there would be uproar. For some reason, football fans are regarded as lower than scum and treated accordingly. No criticism of Eastleigh implied at all here. They are just following the (stupid) rules.

[bigchief]

So what happens if you were there just for a meal downstairs but not to watch the football would they stop you drinking then ..

[michaelefc]

No. You can drink, but the curtain has to be drawn, so no one can see the football, from inside the restaurant/clubhouse.

[seatonspitfire]

Downstairs there are no curtains nor windows facing the pitch.

[bigchief]

Actually I was talking about downstairs...how would they know if you were watching football or just there for a meal..

[michaelefc]

If you can't see the pitch there is no problem. If you can see the pitch, no-one is allowed to drink, whilst that pitch is in view and a game is in progress.

[bigchief]

But even downstairs you couldn't get a drink just before kick off..and if you were there just got a meal you wouldn't be happy

[bomber]

And you can't get a beer 15 minutes before kick off, but you can get a beer 5 minutes before the second half.

[boyatthood]

This season's 'car parking' thread I think.

[michaelefc]

All this proves is how completely ridiculous the regulations are. It would make ideal material for a Monty Python script.

[durkiboy]

Aug 10, 2017 9:05:17 GMT michaelefc said:

If you can't see the pitch there is no problem. If you can see the pitch, no-one is allowed to drink, whilst that pitch is in view and a game is in progress.

Mind you, after some of our performances last season, maybe not being able to see the pitch isn't a bad option, but then again, after seeing some of our performances on the pitch, it was enough to drive you to drink ;-)