MCC ‘reminds’ members of booze limits

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has issued a gentle reminder concerning the regulations on bringing alcohol to Lord’s after an “incident” during a one-day international match at the grounds but insists there is no plan to stop members and spectators bringing their own wine and beer.

Lord’s Cricket Ground

In the wake of what has been described in as a “regrettable incident” during a one-day match against South Africa at Lord’s earlier this month, MCC has reiterated its alcohol policy.

‘The home of cricket’ as it is also known is the only cricket ground in the world (for first class and test cricket) where spectators can bring their own alcohol.

Spectators are allowed to bring one 75cl bottle of wine up to a strength of 18% or two pints of beer up to 6%. Any wines or beers in excess of those ABVs or in excess of those limits is confiscated. Similarly, visitors cannot leave the grounds to purchase or bring back more alcohol once they have entered. Any further drinks can be bought at one of Lord’s bars or restaurants.

According to The Telegraph, at some point during the Lord’s test against South Africa, there was a drink-fuelled “fracas” in the Harris Garden.

The Daily Mail quoted a spokesman from Lord’s who said that: “The incident in question involved a member who had either forgotten or was not familiar with the regulation.”

Speaking to the drinks business, a spokesman said that MCC periodically sent out “reminders” on various points of etiquette and rules.

Contrary to suggestions in The Telegraph however, which seemed to say that MCC was thinking of calling an end to the policy, the spokesman assured db that this was not going to happen.

“MCC is not ending the policy at all,” they said. “It is widely liked by all members. It’s not a crisis, they just want to avoid any further incidents.”

Update: This article initially stated the incident in question took place during the first test match against South Africa when it in fact occurred at an earlier one-day match.