AIBU to expect parents not to drink at sports day?!?!

[KCAREYW1987]

Have just returned from a very hot primary school sports day. A group of parents decided to crack open a few cold cans of pimms at about 11am. AIBU to think that this is totally out of order at a primary school sports day? I mean I know it's not cans of super brew but still I would never dream of watching my little ones in the sack race while getting sloshed in the sun! Would love to hear other opinions on this.

Stop saying "Pimms" for fuck's sake! Pimms doesn't have exclusive rights to sports days!

I'm sure it's not the ONLY alcoholic drink served. People keep mentioning it because it seems more civilised than a pint or something.

As for "Well not everyone likes squash"

There are PLENTY of other drinks.

Tea
Coffee
Water
Lemonade
Juice
Hot chocolate
Cola
Cherryade
Orangeade

I defy anyone to be unable to find SOMETHING in that selection they don't like.

And if they can't...and only Pimms will suffice then there's a slight issue or someone's not being honest about the fact that it's the numbing/relaxing thing that alcohol offers that they're REALLY after.

No need for the drama no need for the patronising comment either.

I'm still completely unconvinced that a school sports day is an event which requires alcohol to be served.

floggingmolly "I don't agree that it shows an unhealthy attitude to alcohol if you think it's slightly skanky to drink at a school sports day."

I think you might be replying to me? But that isn't what I said, is it? I was making the point that if you absolutely can't conceive of the idea that someone might choose an alcoholic drink for taste, and your only understanding of alcohol is that it's about 'numbing' yourself, that shows an unhealthy attitude.

I hope that's clearer.

Merchant they MAY choose it for the flavour but with a decent list of non alcoholic drinks on offer then there will be something for everyone.

You seem very angry MrsOver.

Bit puzzled by your extensive list. Someone still might prefer Pimms to all of those, mightn't they? Or do you find that impossible to believe?

Yes, Pimms. Pimms, Pimms, Pimms.

MrsTreacleSoda it would a temporary events licence.

YANBU I don;t think there should be alcohol consumed on school premises during the school day. Having a Pimms tent or whatever at a weekend summer fayre is fine.

Mrs Treacle - posted upthread that in our local council area in Scotland we are not allowed to have alcohol at any events in the school building/grounds where children are present. Ever.

FWIW I do agree that we should all be careful about our alcohol consumption. It's not safe to neck loads of alcohol every day or every week.

But, you know what, I feel like I can cope with my own decisions, and I'd extend the same courtesy to other adults. And I don't like the idea that all these MNetters think they should be able to speak on behalf of every sports day, or other specfic event, and announce that in that context it's unacceptable, period. It actually depends on many factors, not least the location.

It's patronising and quite pathetic.

Fair enough on the don't-let's-associate-school-with-alcohol argument.

But I don't quite get why drinking a Pimms (or even a pint) at an event is a sign that you can't get through the day without alcohol.

At the last event I attended I had a cup of coffee and a slice of Victoria sponge. Does this show that I can't get through the day without cake? Or even that I'm dependent on caffeine? (Some people are, no doubt.) Or just that I had something nice that was on offer?

Not read the whole thread (11 pages on this subject???) but YANBU to have your own opinion. YABU if you think that because you don't like it then others shouldn't do it.

I live in Spain and the local soft play has a bar that serves alcoholic drinks, including massive goldfish-bowl sized gin and tonics...the parents definitely make the most of it and no one bats an eyelid.

Not my bag, I can't imagine anything worse than being drunk at a toddler soft play, but it makes a glass of Pimms at a sports day picnic sound like the very picture of restraint!

But there was no fruit in this Pimms.

corythatwas you're an addicted. I think you're a danger to those around you during Bake Off. I bet you joined the WI just to sniffe a lemon drizzle.

MrsOverTheRoad Many events I've been too have specific Pimms tents in summer or mulled wine in winter. How else can we tell the seasons apart?

For me it's more the time of day they were doing it but it sounds like they had a day off from work and were enjoying the sun rather than having a bender.

I live in Portugal and some parents (mainly dads) have at least one beer during the kids' football games. It's only disapproved of at 3 or more.

Still don't get it Merchant (Sorry to be dumb). I can totally understand the concept of enjoying an alcoholic drink for it's taste rather than it's anesthetic effect; but still think there are places where it's inappropriate to choose the alcohol based one.

School premises being one of them.
I don't think sipping a Pimms because you like the taste makes you (generic) any more evolved than someone slugging a can of cider because they feel it's more refreshing.
Guess we'll have to agree to differ?

Well I'm Irish and we are meant to be known for our liberal attitude to alcohol but I have never ever seen any alcohol consumed by parents at a kids sports day or sold at one for that matter. How can the school condone sending children home with intoxicated parents? It is the kids day why do the parents need to drink?

I live in Austria and every kindergarten event is accompanied by alcohol if the parents organise it. Summer and winter parties, gardening weekend etc. Never seen anyone wasted at one because most people stop after a few if they have to take kids home etc. Don't see what the big deal is really.

Also I would rather my children see us drink responsibly and for enjoyment than think it is only done if they aren't around because you can't possibly be expected to stop before you get wasted. What kind of message is that?

FloggingMolly Yes, I guess we'll have to agree to differ. Tbf I can see that a blanket 'no alcohol at all for school events' rule might make sense for some. But I don't agree on the grounds that certain events are very much social occasions and alcohol seems appropriate. And I think some sports days will fall into that category.

I haven't indicated that drinking one sort of alcohol makes you more evolved than someone drinking another type though?!

Bit of an update on OP.
Have since learnt that it's actually illegal to drink alcohol on school premises (without a licence obviously) regardless of it being sold or bought in by the parents as it was in this case.
To answer some posts some of the parents partaking were in uniform for work that afternoon and had driven to the sports day.
Really interested by all the different opinions on the subject. Have never associated alcohol with any daytime school activities before so it's been a real eye opener!

Dulra How can the school condone sending children home with intoxicated parents?

You do know that a single well diluted Pimms and lemonade is about as likely to get you sloshed as a can of Top Deck shandy? (I appreciate that the alcohol content is higher, but it's not the same as swigging neat rum or necking several cans of white lightening).

When did we lose the ability to cope with nuanced debate?

YANBU, OP. Drinking alcohol at a school sports day, let alone at 11 in the morning, is appalling. Surprised to see so many expressing the opposite view - but that's Mumsnet for you. Completely batshit.

I think the temporary licence thing was £21 last time I had to process it. Covered very quickly by sales if you price sensibly.

MrsTreacleSoda it would a temporary events licence.

Yeah, I assumed so, but I worded my question badly. It was more about the fact that a temporary licence would even be granted for a PTA event. It's really difficult in my area to get a temporary licence (see photo!) so I can't even imagine a PTA being granted one.