Alcohol Control at the Ralph: Actual Concern or Greed? (by Sioux 7)

I received the following message from "The Ralph"

Responsible alcohol service is a priority at the Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA) and we are committed to promoting responsible alcohol consumption at all events.

In an attempt to more appropriately align our operational plans with our stated alcohol service objectives, effective immediately, the largest serving size of draft beer at REA has been changed from a 32 ounce serving size to a 24 ounce serving size for all events.

The price of a large domestic draft beer has been reduced from $6.75 to $6.00 and a large premium draft beer has been reduced from $7.25 to $6.50 to accompany the serving size change.

We're committed to promoting responsible alcohol consumption that enhances the entertainment experience for all of our guests while also reducing alcohol-related incidents both in our facility and on surrounding roadways. We believe this proactive step is the right thing to do.

Thanks for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Jody Hodgson
General Manager

I'm an engineer working in marketing now, and this doesn't sound like a sound alcohol policy. People can still buy as many beers as they want. This is greed, make no mistake about it. If they wanted to control alcohol consumption they would have to scan your ID and only allow you to purchase, say 2 or 3 drinks, at the Ralph each game. If you do the math on a regular beer, the 32-oz works out to be $.21/oz.,with the new 24-oz beer it will be $0.24/oz. If they want to maintain the same pricing the new 24-oz beer should be $5.04. This is clearly another way for the Ralph to make more money, or as they call it "align our operational plans" and increase their mark-up by 19%, not curb alcohol sales.

I understand that alcohol was a factor in the unfortunate incident after the UND-UM game in the parking lot. People will always be drinking at, or before, hockey games, legal or illegally. If the Ralph really wants to lessen the amount of inebriated individuals at the game, they need to keep track of how many drinks a person is served. I also know that their will always be ways around it, like having your friend (or even sober driver) by drinks for someone who already has been "cut off" at the Ralph. The Ralph is attempting to minimize drinking by hitting fans in the pocket book, during tough economic times already.

I like the spirit, that they want to cut down on the number of drunk fans at the game, but they are going about it the wrong way.