Fans Try to Get “Ice Cold Beer” Vendor Back in the Stands
“Ice… cold… beer!”
It’s not just a pitch at Toronto Blue Jays games, it’s a tradition. For more that six years, Wayne McMahon would make his trademark pitch as he sold beer at baseball games at the Blue Jays’ Roger Centre.
McMahon was fired two weeks ago when he allegedly broke Aramark’s rules. Aramark claims that McMahon failed to check ID when he sold two beers to a 22 year old “mystery shopper.” While he did not break the law, he apparently broke Aramark’s policy. Aramark requires vendors to ask for ID for any patron who appears to be 30 years old or under. Additionally, Aramark prohibits vendors from selling two beers to the same person. McMahon denies that he sold two beers to any individual, claiming that he believed the beer was for a friend.
McMahon protested his firing, claiming that he has never had any disciplinary action taken before and has passed six other “mystery shopper” tests.
Aramark has said that their ruling is final.
The 62 year old McMahon’s reaction? “It’s a done deal. I’m so very, very disappointed, crushed.” His lawyer has indicated that a wrongful termination suit is in the works.
His fans’ reaction? No way is he leaving quietly. More than 15,000 people (15,552 as of this morning) have joined a Facebook group to “Bring Back Wayne” with a link to Aramark’s online contact form for those who want to tell Aramark what they think. More than 2,000 people have signed a formal petition asking that McMahon get his job back.
McMahon is so popular that he’s even appeared on MTV Live - every day last week.
Clearly, his firing has struck a chord with baseball fans. But is also raises interesting questions about drinking and responsibility. In an increasing litigious world, vendors and stadium owners are on the hook for sales to minors and sales to people who may become intoxicated at sports events. Is it a fair and proportionate response to terminate vendors who violate policies which are arguably in place to protect fans at the game from underage or drunk patrons? Or is it too much? I’d love to hear what you think.
Tags: "beer guy", Aramark, beer, facebook, Rogers Centre, Toronto Blue Jays, Wayne McMahon
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