21-09-2011, 09:45 AM
Angus McDonald Wrote:Where there is only 1 choice in an area it may though be in the best interest's of Chess to hold the club where there is no alcohol on the premises and a rule that no alcohol can be drunk at the board. Juniors should not have to play against an adult who is drinking and should not have to attend a club where alcohol is available.(There may also be faith issues?) Adults can after all go to the pub together after club is finished.
Most clubs have very few options as to where they can station themselves. Many of the venues which are available are pubs (or alcohol-serving venues) because of the times that are usually required to play matches. If Chess Scotland created some kind of ruling on the issue (to prevent alcohol being consumed) then I fear it might disband many clubs. One of the only remaining advantages of attending a club over playing online is the social aspect, of which a pint plays a major role for many of the regulars.
I'd imagine it would be in the best interests of most juniors to attend a junior club anyway.
There is also a big difference between an adult having a pint at the board and getting totally wrecked. I'm not sure I understand the faith issue you refer to, or how it relates to juniors only? If someone of faith doesn't want to play someone who is drinking, then they have that right; but they don't have the right to force that person to stop drinking, they have the right to leave and not play. We can't have a situation where someone starts to dictate to others what they should and shouldn't do when playing them, because we live in a free society, and everyone has the right to do as they please as long as they are adhering to the rules.
Incidentally, I don't drink (except on special occasions), but I'm quite happy if my opponent does, as he usually makes rubbish moves.
