VEHICLE access into Carrington Park may be banned and Orange clubs are looking at doing the same thing at Wade Park after an increase in patrons sneaking alcohol into Group 10 games in 2019.
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Bathurst Panthers president Denis Comerford highlighted the issue after his side's round 15 home game when volunteers picked up a throng of bottles following a Saturday night game.
"There was approximately 100 bottles picked up in one location, people didn't even bother disposing of what they smuggled in," Mr Comerford said in disgust.
He said people transport beer and alcohol into the grounds in their cars and as volunteers don't have the power to search a vehicle not a lot can be done, leaving the club with little alternative but to let cars into the ground.
CYMS president Dave Penny said his club already bans the entry of cars for bigger games - like a local derby with Hawks - to prevent alcohol being brought into Wade Park.
"You can't eliminate it completely, it's pretty tough to do, but with Wade Park being a licensed venue it's an offence to bring alcohol in," Mr Penny added.
"I think it's a great idea if Panthers want to do that."
Hawks boss Mark Johnston said his club was pretty strict on the issue, and has a ground manager patrol the ring of the field to keep footy fans honest.
We had problems with it out here in Oberon, I know Blayney experienced it as well.
- Group 10 president Linore Zamparini
He said Hawks have a lot of people sit in cars on game day, due to mobility issues and the cool temperatures in winter in Orange, and would be loathe to ban the entry of vehicles completely.
If it became a Group 10 mandate then Johnston said he'd have to discuss the issue with Hawks' committee.
Group 10 president, Linore Zamparini, said smuggling beer into rugby league grounds is an age-old issue, and frustrating on a number of levels.
"We had problems with it out here in Oberon, I know Blayney experienced it as well," Mr Zamparini said.
He said club volunteers spoke with offenders and advised them of the rules.
"We put signs up warning people their alcohol will be confiscated and they will be escorted from the grounds," the long-running Group 10 president said.
"All we can do is walk around, watch people and keep a look out for those doing the wrong thing.
"It's not easy; these people to come to the game, drinking their own beer. They don't spend a cent supporting the club, but if something happens to them, they then want to use our insurance."
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