MCC members quizzed on booze, dress code rules
MEMBERS of the exclusive Melbourne Cricket Club have been sounded out about rule changes that would let them drink alcohol in the stands and dress more casually.
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MEMBERS of the exclusive Melbourne Cricket Club have been sounded out about rule changes that would let them drink alcohol in the stands and dress more casually.
Fans in the MCC Reserve can drink full-strength alcohol at bars day and night, but are not allowed to take drinks to their seats at the MCG.
That could change with an MCC survey this week seeking feedback on whether members would like to consume alcohol outside bars and eateries.
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MCC members were quizzed on a range of potential changes to tradition, including the way they accessed the ground and what they had to wear.
Save The MCC spokesman David Mulholland said a move to allow members to drink in the seats would be supported.
“While the MCC committee enjoy a wine at their seats in their exclusive committee room, members sit at their seats with no such luxury,” he said.
“After 20-plus years of waiting for a membership and paying our dues each year, the MCC committee don’t trust us to enjoy a beer or wine at our seats.”
The MCC also asked members if they wanted to change access to Grand Final tickets.
Long queues of MCC members typically form outside the MCG before the Grand Final each year as eager fans snap up the best seats in town for the premiership decider.
Members were asked if they would prefer increasing — or decreasing — the number of Grand Final tickets available through a ballot instead.
MCC spokesman Shane Brown said members’ views had been sought on a number of topics, but no immediate changes had been decided.
“We often canvas and review members’ opinions on topics affecting the operation of the club,’’ he said.
“However, it should not be inferred from a survey that any particular changes are under consideration.”
While the public can wear virtually what they want to the MCG, MCC members and their guests have always faced strict dress restrictions, including collared shirts for men, no bare midriffs for women and no torn denim or tracksuit pants.
Members’ views on those regulations were also sought.
There is presently a waiting-list time of at least 18 years to join the MCC.