MADD victim services manager: Astros' concessions sales extension presents 'a chance that you’re behind the wheel intoxicated'

While many Major League Baseball (MLB) franchises have extended their food and beverage sales to after the final out to accommodate the newly implemented pitch clock to the delight of fans, at least one nonprofit organization sees it as problematic.

The Houston Astros have joined their fellow ball clubs in extending the amount of time fans can purchase food and beverage, with approximately 40% of the locations at Minute Maid Park will be open the whole span of a game, Houston Daily reported citing an Associated Press (AP) article.

Casie Harris with the Houston and Beaumont chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) told Houston NPR affiliate Houston Public Media (HPM) that Harris County leads the nation in alcohol-related fatalities, and the likelihood of fans leaving the ballpark and getting behind the wheel while intoxicated could add to the unenviable distinction. 

“The DWI rate in Harris County is extremely high also, and it’s a scare to be out on the road anytime someone is intoxicated,” Harris said.

She divulged to HPM that time is of the essence when it comes to regaining sobriety after a number of drinks. 

“Any time there’s a lessened time, it’s more of a chance that you’re behind the wheel intoxicated,” Harris said. 

Citing the Texas Comptroller’s Office, the AP reported that Minute Maid Park generated the most alcohol sales in Harris County last year to the tune of over $28 million, according to Houston Daily.

One MLB player who’s against the extended concessions sales is Philadelphia Phillies hurler Matt Strahm, who asserted the possible presence of a safety issue, ESPN reported. 

"The reason we stopped [selling alcohol in] the seventh before was to give our fans time to sober up and drive home safe, correct?" Strahm said on a podcast, per ESPN. "So now with a faster-pace game – and me just being a man of common sense – if the game is going to finish quicker, would we not move the beer sales back to the sixth inning to give our fans time to sober up and drive home?” 

He continued, "Instead, we're going to the eighth, and now you're putting our fans and our family at risk driving home with people who have just drank beers 22 minutes ago."