Fans of the LaSalle Vipers will be able to enjoy an adult beverage or two while attending games this coming season.
LaSalle Town Council approved on Tuesday night the Vipers' request to team up with the G.O.A.T. Tap and Eatery for a one-year pilot project, allowing alcoholic beverages at home games for the 2025-26 season.
Mayor Crystal Meloche told WindsorNewsToday.ca on Thursday that it is a big opportunity for the Vipers and a respected local business.
"The Vipers reached out to the owners of the G.O.A.T., and asked if there was interest in running something like this at the games hosted in LaSalle at the Vollmer," said Meloche. "From there, they were able to reach out to town administration to understand what our Alcohol Management Policy is."
The G.O.A.T. Tap and Eatery would operate under a caterer's endorsement from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Meloche said a dedicated space for alcohol sales will be at the Vollmer Complex, and only ticketed fans will access it.
“They'll have an area next to Rink A that will be a secured area, so that only people who are of age can be in that area," said Meloche. "There will be wristbands, there will also be licenced security, and the staff there will be Smart Serve-trained as well."
Room capacity is limited to 65 people. For alcohol sales, it will be limited to 40.
Alcohol is sold at some home games in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), but at the discretion of the hockey club. The Chatham Maroons, the only other junior-B club in far southwestern Ontario, does not sell alcohol at its games.
The Vipers will make alcohol available from 45 minutes before the opening faceoff until ten minutes remaining in the third period.