Oh my Lord’s! Fight could be final blow for ‘bring your own’
FOR more than 80 years, the Harris Garden at Lord’s has been held up as a “tranquil oasis” where members can quaff their own champagne and unwind among the roses.
But now the time-honoured tradition of “bring your own” risks being whacked for six following an alcoholfuelled bust-up, with the directors of Marylebone Cricket Club issuing strict limits on the amount that can be brought into the ground.
Widely known as the “Home of Cricket”, Lord’s is the only Test-match ground in world cricket where homebrought alcohol is permitted.
However, following a “regrettable incident” during the recent England vs South Africa Test on July 9, MCC has warned that rowdy behaviour and excessive drinking have called the perquisite into question.
The Daily Telegraph has learnt that the “incident” was in fact a fullblown fracas between guests drinking in the Harris Garden during the Test match, which only ended when the guilty parties were escorted from the ground by security. According to one regular, who was at the Test, a fight began when “two blokes started drunk haymaking”, adding that it had been “at the end of the day and they just went for each other”.
“It was in the Harris Garden, and then security bundled them out,” he added. “The Friday of the Test was particularly boorish, it was the wildest I’ve ever seen it.
“People were in there from 11 o’clock, and the blokes I saw did not leave the Harris Garden for the entirety of the day. They didn’t watch any cricket at all, so even by half past 12 it was loud and boorish.” The incident is believed to be the latest in a string of brawls at the venue, with regulars voicing concern that the Harris Garden is becoming a problem spot for “rowdy spectators”. In response, MCC has written to its members informing them that they will be subject to strictly monitored spot checks on entry. The circular, which was issued
‘MCC reserves the right to confiscate any quantity of alcohol from any spectator, leaving or entering the ground’
last week, also sets out limits on alcohol and warns that anybody found with more than two pints of beer, or a bottle of wine, will have their drink confiscated.
“Under no circumstances will any spectator be readmitted to Lord’s Ground at any time during the day if in possession of any alcohol,” it adds.
“MCC reserves the right to confiscate any quantity of alcohol from any spectator, leaving or entering the ground.”
The crackdown comes a year after Lord’s banned the drinking of champagne in the stands, amid complaints from visiting teams that their boundary fielders were being distracted by the sound of merrymaking. Prior to the edict, cork-popping had been a favourite among spectators, with fans often taking aim at the outfield during play.
Neil Priscott, head of communications at Lord’s, said that whilst the Club had not reached “Defcon 3”, it had issued the guidance to members so that they were aware of the level of behaviour expected of them.
“Lord’s is the only ground in world cricket where fans can bring their own alcohol. It’s a really special thing and we want to maintain that.”
Meanwhile, MCC has clamped down on the wearing of casual outfits at matches, with the club issuing visual guidance to members insisting that they refrain from wearing denim or “dilapidated or offensive garments”.