Beer and Sports – a Difference in the UK
As I am currently in the UK I am enjoying checking my `norms`around food and drink and learning about a different perspective that comes from living half a world away…
I might make it to my first Football (known as `soccer` in North America) match (known as `game`) in a few hours from now. It`s my fourth or fifth visit to the UK and I haven`t been able to catch one yet for many different reasons. Today`s game is in doubt because the referees are on strike (their issue is that one team is complaining too much for their liking) and a few inches of snow has crashed the nation. It`s a combination that leaves the best plans in peril.
Our dilemma will soon be resolved. We`ll be meeting our crew of singing revellers around noon to get ready for the 3.30 match. `Get ready`is indeed a code word for drink beer at a local pub and eat a little lunch. The 3-hour head start is pragmatic – the stadiums do not sell alcohol in them. The North American tradition of sipping (or siphoning) an ale while watching your favourite team compete for your pleasure does not translate here.
I am told that, in theory, the alcohol bans come from an effort to stop mischief amongst rival fans.
My experience in the UK is limited but I have walked the streets of Scottish cities before several matches and my observations have been consistent: the elimination of beer in the stadium appears to increase the activity and sales in local pubs. It doesn`t seem to matter when the match starts; a lunchtime match in Edinburgh was preceded by packed bars of partying fans at 9.00AM. My impression is that the number of drunken fans is higher here than home as a sense of urgency in the bar creates rapid consumption as the game approaches.
I suppose the next time I complain that a stadium is selling me a $12 beer, I`ll have to reflect on the cheaper alternative here…