Alcohol in Chess Clubs

[John McNicoll]

This would appear to be an issue our Standards Committee could give an official standard on. I'm slightly surprised they haven't done so already given Scotland's much-vaunted relationship with drink.

[Colin Macgregor]

Paisley Chess Club meets in a Social Club. Apart from the fact that kids are not allowed in the bar area, we have no specific rules on alcohol. It all works very well.

[Trevor Davies]

This would appear to be an issue our Standards Committee could give an official standard on. I'm slightly surprised they haven't done so already given Scotland's much-vaunted relationship with drink.

The Standards Code contains general common-sense guidance on what most people would consider to be reasonable standards of conduct. Under "(g) Players", there is a list of examples of conduct which falls short of the standards expected, some of which could be relevant to this subject in some circumstances.

I don't think the Standards Committee would wish to go further than this: if a problem (complaint) was to arise, then this would be a matter for the League to deal with. Where clubs have junior players, or host them in matches, then clubs themselves should have common-sense policies in place, which should err on the side of caution.

[Alan Jelfs]

I would hope the Standards Committee would insist on things like:
Cask beer, not keg
Malt whisky, not blended
etc...

[George Thomson]

I would hope the Standards Committee would insist on things like:
Cask beer, not keg
Malt whisky, not blended
etc...

Only for the opposition Alan.

[Angus McDonald]

I think it's also wise to note that not all sections of the community have what appears to be the (majority) Scotland's all embracing attitude to alcohol.

Life is ofcourse all about choices.

Some clubs may be held where there is an alcohol licence at the premises.

This may provide a barrier to some people going to that club. The obvious thing is for them to go to another club!

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.

imho

[Andrew McHarg]

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.

[Angus McDonald]

Andrew,

I accept your point about the social aspect of Chess Clubs. Most juniors who have progressed from School Chess Clubs are playing at their local chess club. Its my opinion that there are juniors and parents of juniors who may not take them to that club if adults are drinking alcohol at the board.
I myself wouldn't be happy about that. Especially when my children were younger. They are now old enough to understand that some adults can't manage without a drink for long periods of time and don't get social until they've had at least a couple of drinks :-)

Clubs have been disbanding all over Scotland for decades and the issue isn't drink or juniors or faith issues. It's the times we live in in my opinion and I also think that clubs and chess will die out if juniors (from all backgrounds) arn't encouraged into chess in every way possible.

I do enjoy a glass of wine to relax occassionally and a nice cold beer on a hot day can be almost heaven!
I would never assume that anyone else would wish to play chess with me while I was drinking alcohol.
Who would be dictating to whom in a free society?

[Andrew McHarg]

I would never assume that anyone else would wish to play chess with me while I was drinking alcohol. Who would be dictating to whom in a free society?

It depends which way you look at it. I mean if I were playing you and I wanted to drink a pint whilst playing you, I'd assume you wouldn't have an issue with that, and I wouldn't consider it me forcing you to play against me whilst I drink a pint. It's not like I would be forcing you to also drink a pint, against your will. So long as the pint didn't make me drunk to a disruptive level, I don't see why you could have an issue with it? On the other hand if you demanded that I get rid of the pint because it went against your religious beliefs, or just because somehow you objected to me drinking it, then that would be me being dictated to.

My opponent could also object to my clothes, but it doesn't mean I'm going to take them off? =o

Anyway, I agree with you about the parents of juniors being reluctant to take their kids to a club where there were lots of adults drinking pints. I would too (and I don't even have kids). I think the best approach would be to have junior nights at clubs where there was sufficient interest, and such nights are geared towards training and playing against the juniors. As a result of the nature of such a night - alcohol would not be consumed. This way you do not deter the regular adult players who like a pint from coming along, and you supply an environment for juniors to also enjoy and learn Chess.

[Patrick McGovern]

Prestwick and Troon chess clubs are very good examples of well run clubs within a licensed premises. Alcohol is consumed by adults in a non offensive and unobstrusive way. There are juniors (certainly at Troon) and it appears not to impact on them. The prestigious Ayrshire championship has been hosted very successfully by Troon for many years and some would say that the ambiance is enhanced by being in licensed premises. I, and many of my team-mates, look forward to these 'away' games so we can socialise with our chess friends. Long may it continue.