Beer sales will be limited at Blue Jays sold-out home opener

Beer and the boys of summer go together – sometimes far too well. During Monday’s home opener, the Toronto Blue Jays will restrict the flow of ale to the cheap seats.

Blue Jays officials say a customer can purchase only one beer at a time in the 500-level seats during Monday’s sellout game, in one of the security measures intended to cut down on brawls in the upper decks.

The Jays typically sell out every seat in the 50,000-seat stadium on opening day, double what they get most games. While the lower bowls draw a relatively genteel crowd, there have been recurring problems when the upper decks fill up.

Fights breaking out among drunken fans have led to nosebleeds in the nosebleeds during the past few season openers. Toronto Police say there will be a stepped-up security presence inside and outside of the Rogers Centre. “There will be additional officers to ensure public safety,” said Constable Tony Vella.

And while most concession stands will keep their standard two-beers-per-customer rule, there “will be a limit of one beer per person per transaction on the 500 level,” said Blue Jays spokesman Jay Stenhouse.

Thanks to Butch.