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Alcohol Service Policies and Fan Code of Conduct

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Recommendations for Venue Alcohol Policies

The policies presented are recommendations approved by the TEAM Coalition Board of Directors and member organizations. These policy recommendations represent the best practices of sports and entertainment facilities across the country, concessionaire companies, stadium service providers, MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, NASCAR, NCAA and Live Nation. TEAM Coalition encourages every sports and entertainment facility to establish, communicate and enforce policies that ensure the safety and enjoyment of the experience for their guests. Neither TEAM Coalition nor its member organizations mandate these recommendations.

Sports and entertainment facilities should consider:

Training both concessions and operations employees in an alcohol management training program

Setting an employee policy to always use safety belts when driving

Posting signs in their parking facilities reminding guests to always buckle up

Designated Driver/Responsible Fan Program – Engage Guests in Responsibility

Fans that sign up to be designated drivers/responsible fans must be over the legal drinking age

Designated drivers should sign an agreement pledging to:
- Not drink alcohol while at the venue
- Take responsibility for driving home their friends and family who have been drinking

Responsible drinkers should sign an agreement pledging to:
- Never drive drunk
- Always have a safe ride plan
- Ensure that everyone wears safety belts

Policies regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol

The policies below represent the mode (most frequently reported value) for all sports venues representing TEAM Coalition member leagues.

Alcohol sales cut off time:
- MLB: end of 7th inning
- MLS: 75th minute
- NFL: end of 3rd quarter
- NBA: end of 3rd period
- NHL: end of 2nd period

Sports and entertainment facility operators may consider the service of NA beer (products with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume) after alcohol sales are cut-off. This option would be aligned with responsible alcohol management when employees are trained to ensure consistent implementation of facility alcohol service policies.