Carry on beverages prohibited

[BrianD]

It is freaking hot in Wisconsin with a heat index of around 115. I've got golf league tonight and am thinking about staying hydrated during play. This got me to thinking about the policy of almost every golf course in Wisconsin to ban carry on beverages. I understand that the purpose of this ban is to prevent issues with their liquor license, as well as to provide a captive audience for their overpriced beverages.

I'm wondering if there is any legal standing to prevent water from being carried on to the course. I'm also wondering if it is even legal to prevent someone from having water with them. Anybody know what the laws are around this?

[JonInMiddleGA]

If it's private property then I can't see where any law would be likely to apply (nor should apply). Same sort of policy seems to be fairly common with both indoor & outdoor stadiums & what not, hard for me to imagine that the activity would make a difference.

Unhappy with the policy then voting with your dollars would seem to be the most likely & successful recourse.

[Butter]

I put a bottle or two of water in my golf bag and wait until I'm free and clear on hole #2 to break into it if I need to.

[MikeVic]

If you're golfing, your bag has many places to hide water for what it's worth.

[RPI-Fan]

Your only legal recourse would be to suffer heat stroke or similar and then sue for negligence in enacting and enforcing the policy.

[DanGarion]

I think they would be hard pressed to prevent you from taking water on the course. Even movie theaters and stadiums are required to allow people to bring water in with them in CA (I know that isn't WI).

[digamma]

DG, Required?

As for the original question, this is really a matter of contract. You are agreeing to their terms and conditions when you pay your greens fees. Now of course, they can accommodate you by allowing you to bring your own water (essentially a waiver under contract law).

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've never played golf before, so this will be a newbie question. Do they offer you chances to get water while you're on the course? If yes, why do you have to bring it with you? If no, how do they expect to deal with all the people who will get heat-related problems while they're on the course?

[digamma]

Pumpy, there is usually a voluptuous cart girl who sells you overpriced beverages. Both parties usually end up happy with the transaction.

[Ryan S]

It is freaking hot in Wisconsin with a heat index of around 115. I've got golf league tonight and am thinking about staying hydrated during play. This got me to thinking about the policy of almost every golf course in Wisconsin to ban carry on beverages. I understand that the purpose of this ban is to prevent issues with their liquor license, as well as to provide a captive audience for their overpriced beverages.

I'm wondering if there is any legal standing to prevent water from being carried on to the course. I'm also wondering if it is even legal to prevent someone from having water with them. Anybody know what the laws are around this?

I have never heard of a golf club banning carry on beverages, and we have thousands over here.

If I were you, I would put a few bottles into the bottom of the largest pocket of your bag. Unless they do airport style bag searches they will be none the wiser.

[stevew]

This thread is my nomination for the #firstworldproblem of the day.

[JediKooter]

Every time you go, you should bring a horse. Let the horse loose and when he starts shitting everywhere, you can sneak in any drink you want because the people that work there will be so distracted by the horse that's shitting everywhere. Don't do it every time though, they might start putting two and two together.

[BrianD]

I probably should have been more clear to say that this was mostly a curiosity and not a complaint. I'm curious if you can prevent someone from bringing water on your property, or if they took a real rule (carry on alcohol) and worded it extra broadly to let them sell more stuff. My life will go on fine either way.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Every time you go, you should bring a horse. Let the horse loose and when he starts shitting everywhere, you can sneak in any drink you want because the people that work there will be so distracted by the horse that's shitting everywhere. Don't do it every time though, they might start putting two and two together.
This looks like something I wish I was funny enough to come up with. I'm laughing my ass off.

[DaddyTorgo]

This thread is my nomination for the #firstworldproblem of the day.

True.

[JediKooter]

This looks like something I wish I was funny enough to come up with. I'm laughing my ass off.

Don't sell yourself short Pumpy. The funny is strong with you.