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In reviewing youth leagues around the U.S., there are several organizations—mostly private youth groups—that sell alcohol at the concession stands to raise money for their groups. And even where some programs don’t sell alcohol, it’s not uncommon to see parents and spectators bringing their own alcoholic beverages to tailgate before and after games and weekend tournaments—or even consuming it while watching from the bleachers.
Is selling alcohol at youth sporting events a great revenue-producing idea for an organization? Or is it a disastrous idea that is a conduit to even greater out-of-control behavior from spectators than we are already seeing across the country?
Here’s what several Certified Youth Sports Administrators (CYSA) had to say on this issue: