The beer taps were shut and the wine carts locked up for Tuesday's game between the host Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers, as the Rogers Centre began serving a three-date penalty for violations of its liquor licence.
Even the clubhouses were cleared of all alcohol, the result of five broken rules at baseball games, football contests and concerts dating back to the Grey Cup in 2007.
"I don't think too many Canadians are going to be happy about that," quipped Blue Jays starter Scott Richmond, a native of North Vancouver, B.C.
The Blue Jays' April 21 meeting with Texas, and an Aug. 1 CFL game between the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers will also go dry, the price all fans will have to pay for the unruly behaviour of a few louts.
"Responsibility is the key," said Mario Coutinho, vice-president of stadium operations and security. "You can have all the controls in place but ultimately that individual has to take responsibility for his actions, and in some cases the group that he's with, realizing the actions of one affect other people's enjoyment is crucial."
The penalty was handed down by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which treated the Rogers Centre as it would any small restaurant or bar serving alcohol. The two parties traded various dates before settling on the punishment.
Big signs posted at the entrances to the stadium said the ban resulted from the following violations: 1. Permit drunkenness; 2. Permit use of narcotics; 3. Sell or serve to an apparent minor; 4. Fail to request approved ID; 5. Permit illegal liquor on premises.
