League to Curb drinking at NFL Games in 2009

The NFL wants to curb drinking by the fans by recommending limits on tailgating and alcohol sales for the 2009 NFL season. Last season the NFL implemented its very own “Fan Code of Conduct” in which it stated how the NFL wanted its fans to act during the games. Now this year they want to limit how much alcoholic beverages a person can purchase at one time, making suggestions about maximum serving sizes. The NFL is also suggesting that all teams limit their tailgating to 3 ½ hours before each game and make attempts to better monitor and enforce rules against excessive drinking in stadium parking lots.

General idea here is for the safety of the fans. And what do the fans do after the game? Some have drinks, get drunk, watch the game, party up, and then go drive home. It is a big safety issue. I am not sure what the numbers are, but I am pretty sure that the numbers are staggering as to how many people are killed in drunk driving accidents after an NFL game.

The NFL will try to promote responsible drinking as well by putting the following message on all beer cups at every game this year: “Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.” This is a wonderful idea by the NFL and they should have done this to help promote responsible drinking, and helping to save the lives of many.

In the effort teams will try to sign up a combined 200,000 designated-driver fans this season versus 140,000 designated-driver fans last season and the fans who sign up will receive free soft drinks and the chance to win Super Bowl tickets.

Original Source/Credit: USA Today’s, Michael McCarthy who wrote about the NFL trying to limit the drinking and tailgating by its fans and to promote better safety and responsibility by its fans - gave me the idea to post this. Friday, August 21, 2009 issue. Sports, section.