South Shields FC plans four new outdoor bar kiosks at Mariners Park to help with social distancing for fans

New bars could be opened at South Shields FC to aid social distancing measures for fans next season.
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Spectators are due to return to Mariners Park – which has been renamed the 1st Cloud Arena under a sponsorship deal – on Thursday, August 27, for the first time since March, albeit with the ground’s capacity slashed to just 300, owing to FA guidelines.

The team will take on Boldon CA in a pre-season friendly before the smaller crowd. The club also played an away friendly in Stockton on Wednesday August 26.

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But with the number of ticket holders allowed through the turnstiles set to double in September, club bosses are also preparing to implement new measures intended to limit the spread of COVID-19.

South Shields FC has applied for a licence to run outdoor bars to help fans socially distanceSouth Shields FC has applied for a licence to run outdoor bars to help fans socially distance
South Shields FC has applied for a licence to run outdoor bars to help fans socially distance

Plans have been submitted to South Tyneside Council seeking permission to ‘include sales of alcohol from four kiosks within the ground’ on match days.

The change for the kiosks, which currently sell food and soft drinks, would also apply when other events are being staged at the sports ground, in Shaftesbury Avenue.

But it would not see any change to the times staff are allowed to serve alcohol, which would remain:

:: 7am – midnight, Monday – Sunday, in the club house

South Shields FC has applied for a licence to run outdoor bars to help fans socially distanceSouth Shields FC has applied for a licence to run outdoor bars to help fans socially distance
South Shields FC has applied for a licence to run outdoor bars to help fans socially distance

:: 11am – midnight, Monday – Sunday, in the club marquee

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:: Midday – 5pm on Saturdays and bank holidays and 5pm – 9.45pm on weekdays at the kiosks

It is hoped the changes, once implemented, will minimise queuing by allowing alcohol sales at more points than allowed under current restrictions.

Tickets for the fixture against Boldon CA were offered free to 2019/20 season ticket holders who had waived their right to a partial refund.

Mariners Park, renamed the 1st Cloud Arena, the home of South Shields FC. Picture by FRANK REIDMariners Park, renamed the 1st Cloud Arena, the home of South Shields FC. Picture by FRANK REID
Mariners Park, renamed the 1st Cloud Arena, the home of South Shields FC. Picture by FRANK REID

If all goes well, tonight’s capacity of 300 will be doubled to 600 in time for the club’s next home fixture, although this will still be well short of last season’s 1,700 average attendance.

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Members of the public have until September 7 to submit any comments on the application to the council.

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Mariners Park, renamed the 1st Cloud Arena, the home of South Shields FC. Picture by FRANK REIDMariners Park, renamed the 1st Cloud Arena, the home of South Shields FC. Picture by FRANK REID
Mariners Park, renamed the 1st Cloud Arena, the home of South Shields FC. Picture by FRANK REID

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