BOYCOTT the bar. That was cricket lover Tim Fell's cry today as he launched a campaign to save the tradition of spectators taking booze to Test and one-day matches.
From this summer, Warwickshire County Cricket Club members will be banned from taking alcohol into the Edgbaston ground for international games - forcing them to buy more expensive drinks inside the stadium instead.
Now Tim, a member since 1968, has urged fellow cricket followers to protest by boycotting Edgbaston's bars for an entire day's play during an England game this summer.
He said the move would highlight the unfairness of the booze ban, being introduced worldwide by the International Cricket Council but being challenged by bosses at Lord's.
But Warwickshire chief executive Dennis Amiss said the club risked losing Test matches and one-day internationals if it did not comply with the ruling.
"This ban will not make the slightest difference at Edgbaston because the ground's bars are open all day during international matches," said Tim, a 52-year-old property investor from Claverdon, near Warwick.
"It just means members will have to queue to buy drinks at three or four times the cost of their own drinks, which will only add to the club's bar profits.
"I suggest members protest by not buying any alcohol in the ground during one day's play and avail themselves of the facilities of the nearest pub during the lunch and tea intervals."
Non-Warwickshire members have been barred from taking their own booze into Edgbaston for some years, but members have been allowed to continue the practice until the coming season.
The ICC said the ban was to protect players and stop bottles and cans being thrown onto pitches. It is already being challenged at Lord's, where bosses want spectators to be allowed to bring champagne or wine with picnics.
Mr Amiss added: "This is an ICC ruling and I have explained to Mr Fell there is nothing we at Warwickshire can do. People can protest but why penalise the club when we are not imposing this?"
