Major League Baseball has instituted a new “pitch clock” with the goal of shortening the length of games. And the new clock has accomplished that goal: the average MLB game is today about a half hour shorter than games just last season. The league apparently wants to speed up play to attract a younger audience tired by four-hour slugfests.
As a result, many stadiums have decided this season to extend alcohol sales later into the game. Shorter games mean fewer sales, and stadiums have responded by lengthening the window that vendors can sell alcohol. Unfortunately, this means that fans are more likely to be under the influence of alcohol when they leave the stadium and get into their vehicles to go home—which means DWI cases will probably increase in the Greater Houston area.
The Houston Astros’ Alcohol Policy Change
According to press stories, the Houston Astros have announced that they are following the lead of other MLB teams and extending alcohol sales. Whereas some teams have allowed sales into the eighth inning, the Astros are going further.
They have decided that fans at Minute Maid Park can purchase alcohol through the end of the game. About 40% of vendors will remain open, but seat vendors will stop serving at the end of the seventh inning.
Last season, fans plunked down $28 million for alcohol sales at Minute Maid Park—a substantial sum. Unfortunately, shorter games have threatened that income stream, so the Astros have decided to give fans a couple more innings to imbibe.
Although you can’t buy beer from your seat, you can go purchase from one of the many vendors that will remain open. And you can apparently do so until the game ends.
Drink Responsibly
As experienced DWI lawyers, we encourage fans to drink responsibly. MLB stadiums used to cut off alcohol sales in the seventh inning to give fans a chance to sober up before they fished out their keys and drove home.
It takes time for even one beer to work through your system so that your driving isn’t impaired. A small woman could become legally intoxicated with only one alcohol beverage. And if you’ve had several drinks, then you will need even more time for alcohol to work its way through your system.
This is one more reason to have a designated driver in your group. Everyone else can enjoy an alcoholic beverage while your DD remains sober until the final pitch. In fact, cutting off alcohol sales in the seventh inning probably didn’t give fans enough time to get sober and drive safely anyway. The best bet is not to drink any alcohol at all if you intend to drive.
Catch Foul Balls, Not a DWI Charge
Tad Nelson & Associates wishes the Astros well this season, and our office is available to anyone who is stopped for DWI. If you need help, call our law firm to determine whether you can fight the charges or whether you should try to plead out. We offer a free consultation in a private setting to discuss your case. To get started, give us a call at 281-502-2122.
