Six Flags Theme parks to sell beer.

[Easy Bakes 253]

What a bad idea.  especialy at a water park as well. I wonder if someone drowns casue thier drunk will stop the sales.


Beer me

[Barbarossa 51]

.

  Edited September 7, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[Haljackey 17,241]

This is new news?

Round here, beer has always been available in theme parks. Although they need to be consumed in "special" areas, you just can't walk through the park with it like its Las Vegas or something.

[hamsterTK 93]

Never been to Busch Gardens or Sea World?

Beer would be sold at six locations at Six Flags and could be consumed only inside a restaurant or its fenced-in patio, said Parker, the Six Flags spokeswoman. Anyone caught outside that area with beer would be kicked out of the park. Also, beer would be served in specially marked plastic cups to help staff spot the drinks more easily, she said.quote>

Sounds like they will have it under control. I expect there will probably a limit on how many you can drink, too.

[GMT 389]

just gotta copy what Barbarossa said.

Selling booze doesn't necessarily mean to get yourself drunk as hell.

course there's always people who can't control themselves or make it their goal to get drunk, but then again, there's by very very far way more people who drink responsibly (if at all that is) so I guess it's okay.

I know first hand how much fun it is to ride the coaster after one or two beers, but then again I've seen lots of people who thought that it gets more fun with more alcohol in their heads and... well... guess you can imagine what happened...

I think everyone should know what's the better way to go for themselves

[Meg 368]

Another formerly decent organization being ruined by Dan Snyder, who is easily the most hated non-politician in the DC area.

 

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Snyder ruins Six Flags

When I was in high school and college, I worked three summers at Six Flags Over Georgia. The company ran a tight ship and enforced high standards. The pay was low, but you were proud to work there.

The park was lavishly landscaped and immaculately clean, the employees were cheerful, courteous and well-groomed, and Six Flags regularly set records for attendance and what management called "per cap," which is the average amount spent inside the park by each guest. (They were always "guests," never "customers.")

Apparently, since Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder led a hostile takeover of the Six Flags parent corporation in 2005, he's nearly ruined it. The Washington City Paper has the lowlights of Snyder's tenure, including my favorite:

Nov. 9, 2007:

[The company's stock] closes at $1.88, representing a 70-percent drop since Oct. 24, 2005, when Snyder called for the removal of then-Chairman Kieran Burke in a letter to Six Flags shareholders. At the core of Snyder’s bid to get rid of Burke was this argument: “Stockholders would have been

better off hiding their money under a mattress

” than investing in the company under Burke, Snyder wrote. On the day that letter was registered with the SEC, a share of Six Flags stock was trading at $7.35. (

Emphasis added

.)

Can you beat that for absolute boneheadedness? Telling stockholders that the chairman's stewardship of the company has been so abysmal that they'd be "better off hiding their money under a mattress"?

Also, try this quote from a less-than-satisfied Six Flags guest: "I remember smoke and the smell of burning. I felt like I was going to die."

That's from a teenage girl whose feet were chopped off by a Six Flags ride. Yeah, and then there's the class-action lawsuits after more than 400 guests fell ill from a virus that causes "the sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea."

The Snyder-owned Six Flags was named in November as one of the "worst managed companies in the United States" by analyst Scott Rothbort, whose prognosis was blunt: "The next stop ... is bankruptcy."

Attaboy, Dan!

(The first year after Snyder bought the 'Skins, the team went 10-6 and made the playoffs. In the eight seasons since then, the team has accumulated a regular-season record of 58-70 and has gotten two wild-card playoff slots, with a postseason record of 1-2. Along the way, Snyder has engaged in such classy moves as selling the naming rights to the stadium to FedEx. The 'Skins, who won three Super Bowls in the '80s and '90s, haven't made it as far as a conference championship game since winning Super Bowl XXVI in 1992.)  quote>

[north country dude 202]

Hmmm,...sad,...really sad. I used to work for Six Flags in Jackson Township as a Pyro Technician in their Shows. Many years before that, before being owned by Warner Bros. the park used to sell beer.

I personally don't think the issue is whether they sell beer or not, but how well the corporation is managed, and from what Skigeek has posted, it seems that the park has slid way down (no pun) in  customer satisfaction since I worked there.

Side note: nice toaster! very,...umm,...colorful!

[Duke87 1,070]

Pass.

For one thing, it's bound to be ridiculously overpriced. For another, if you have to stay in a designated area with it and can't just carry it around, it's too bothersome. I'd much rather buy a soda and be able to walk around the park with it, thanks.

[Yoman3 5]

I can only imagine what going on a roller coaster drunk would be like, probably awful

[Barbarossa 51]

.

  Edited September 7, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: Barbarossa

Originally posted by: Yoman3 I can only imagine what going on a roller coaster drunk would be like, probably awful quote>

At least we can see the result of that, and smell it, for that matter.  Just try not to think about the implications for a water park, not that we don't already know what the little kiddies are letting loose...  ... does that water look yellow to you?  LOL.

Barbarossaquote>

 

I guess the extra revenue will cover the cost of more clean up crews.

[Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 273]

Originally posted by: Yoman3 I can only imagine what going on a roller coaster drunk would be like, probably awful quote>

 

lol I was thinking the same thing. But now there are also more concerns, how will park handlers handle really drunk people? Will there be a limit to how sober you have to be on a ride? Will there be a limit to how sober you can be at a park?

Well I guess it can't be all bad... they sell beer at the ski resorts near me and people don't get hurt... I guess. hmmm...

[Patricius Maximus 236]

Six Flags Theme parks to sell beer.quote>

A simple response: So what? As long as the people at Six Flags manage the sale of beer responsibly (i.e. don't sell so much that a person could be extremely drunk), then I don't really care.

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: elemented9 Will there be a limit to how sober you have to be on a ride?quote>

The height requirement takes care of that. If you're drunk and you fall over, you don't meet it.

[hummer0328 6]

I don't really see a problem considering that not many people will be willing to get completely wasted at some $7-$10 a beer. If they really want to get wasted their just going to drink it before coming or sneak it in (which already goes on anyways). Besides, who would want to get drunk before going on a roller coaster anyways?

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: hummer0328 I don't really see a problem considering that not many people will be willing to get completely wasted at some $7-$10 a beer. If they really want to get wasted their just going to drink it before coming or sneak it in (which already goes on anyways). Besides, who would want to get drunk before going on a roller coaster anyways?quote>

 

The same people who will pay 10 bucks for a beer

[hym 358]

Besides, who would want to get drunk before going on a roller coaster anyways? quote>

I've met plenty of people who would think that would be awesome.

[north country dude 202]

Originally posted by: hym

Besides, who would want to get drunk before going on a roller coaster anyways? quote>

I've met plenty of people who would think that would be awesome.quote>

hmmm,...Hurl Mountain?

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: hym

Besides, who would want to get drunk before going on a roller coaster anyways? quote>

I've met plenty of people who would think that would be awesome.quote>

Well, for a lot of guys, when you're drunk everything seems awesome.

Last fall, a thoroughly inebriated guy in my down thought it would be awesome to jump down a flight of stairs. So he did. And he broke his leg.

[830point35 8]

I've seen the gang problems at Magic Mountain. I'm sure beer is going to make things a little more interesting for the LA County Sheriff.

[Airtime&Gravity 0]

Six Flags has been selling beer at other parks for a long time now, so I'm surprised that Six Flags over Texas is only starting to now. There have been no problems, and some of those who oppose it have over active imaginations. I read an article on a theme park enthusiast website that some of those opposed to the sale of beer went to scare tactics, and said that children would be molested if guests were allowed to drink beer.

As for those who say Snyder ruined the company:

1. The reason the stock price is low is because several large debt payment from when the old management expanded too quickly are coming due. Many investors think that Six Flags will be unable to pay the debt, and that is why the stock is low.

2. Snyder isn't responsible for the tragic accident at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.

3. The virus outbreak wasn't Snyder's fault, and it would be like if you blamed the chairman of Carnival whenever an outbreak happens on one of their cruise ships.

So yes there have been some horrible accidents, but they would probably have still happened even under the old management. Virus outbreaks happen at hotels/indoor water parks, and the ride op at Kentucky Kingdom was oblivious to what was going on. A similar accident happened at a park in Spain, and no one was hurt. The reason the park is close to bankruptcy is because the old management bought any theme park chain that they could. Snyder was able to get the company to have cash flow positive for the first time, and that is because of him turning the company around to appeal to families. While I don't like some of his decisions, like selling the Dark Knight coaster(Great America/Adventure) as a thrill ride when it is a family coaster (still fun though), he has done great things for the company.

[Meg 368]

wow.   You're the first person I've ever encountered who has defended Dan Snyder.

 

Originally posted by: Airtime&Gravity

Six Flags has been selling beer at other parks for a long time now, so I'm surprised that Six Flags over Texas is only starting to now. There have been no problems, and some of those who oppose it have over active imaginations. I read an article on a theme park enthusiast website that some of those opposed to the sale of beer went to scare tactics, and said that children would be molested if guests were allowed to drink beer.  quote>

And Busch Gardens has been selling beer for decades.  I don't see what the big deal is.

As for those who say Snyder ruined the company:

1. The reason the stock price is low is because several large debt payment from when the old management expanded too quickly are coming due. Many investors think that Six Flags will be unable to pay the debt, and that is why the stock is low.  quote>

Part of that expansion is "Six Flags America" which is located east of Washington, DC.   That park has gone through several incarnations, existing for years before it became a Six Flags.   Most local people were not happy when Snyder took over the park.

As expected, he raised the prices of everything -- including food and parking -- took steps to prevent people from walking onto the property.   That didn't go over well with people who had been walking to the place for years.  The formerly friendly workers there suddenly turned surly and there is more trash around the place.   People who have had season tickets for years are refusing to buy them.

2. Snyder isn't responsible for the tragic accident at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.  quote>

Why not?   That equipment is supposed to be maintained and inspected.   There is usually a tug-of-war between the engineers who want to do things safely and the bean counters who want to do them cheaply.    Somewhere there is a guy who either should have been fired or is frustrated that Snyder didn't let him do his job.  

3. The virus outbreak wasn't Snyder's fault, and it would be like if you blamed the chairman of Carnival whenever an outbreak happens on one of their cruise ships. quote>

Again, the issue is safety procedures.  No, it is not possible to avoid every virus outbreak but there are steps you can take to avoid them.  

In order to take the necessary steps, there needs to be some focus on the welfare of the customers and the employees.   That does not rank very high on Snyder's list of priorities.

So yes there have been some horrible accidents, but they would probably have still happened even under the old management. quote>

Maybe.  Maybe not.    When you cut corners, such incidents are more likely to happen.

 

[ILL Tonkso 1,236]

Normal over here, beer is available at our parks and some of them eve have actual Pubs.

In fact, I know Alton Towers and Thorpe Park both have restaurants where you book a table and stay there for an hour or two like you would in a normal restaurant.

Though alcohol is a bigger part of British Culture than that of US admittedly but then again, as Ski said, a lot of US parks have sold alcohol for decades.

[Airtime&Gravity 0]

^Most of the major European parks(and even the smaller ones) are better than many large parks in America.

Snyder owns the parks, but he is the chairman, and Mark Shapiro is the CEO who runs the day to day operations of the chain. While the accident and outbreak were avoidable, accidents are bound to happen. The only thing I didn't like was the price increases, but because I have a season pass and rarely eat in the park, they don't affect me much.

Also, Six Flags America is probably the worst park in the chain, so it would be wrong to judge a company by its worst product. My home park is Great America is considered by many enthusiasts (not me) to be the best park in the chain, but it would be just as wrong to judge a company by its best product. It is also wrong to judge an entire company by someone who had a horrible experience even if it could have been prevented by proper maintenance and employee training.

Now, I'm not a Six Flags fan-boy, and they are at fault for the accident, so they deserve the blame for what happened. What happened to the girl injured was tragic and preventable, and it gives amusement parks a bad name even though most accidents are the rider's fault (heart problem, breaking rules, etc.).

[panthersimcity4 162]

*insert Epic Fail picture here*

[GMT 389]

Originally posted by: ILL Tonkso Normal over here, beer is available at our parks and some of them eve have actual Pubs.

In fact, I know Alton Towers and Thorpe Park both have restaurants where you book a table and stay there for an hour or two like you would in a normal restaurant.

Though alcohol is a bigger part of British Culture than that of US admittedly but then again, as Ski said, a lot of US parks have sold alcohol for decades.quote>

See, that's the point I don't get in this discussion.

In Europe, parks sell alcohol and, apart from some "cool" kiddies, it works just fine. Most people don't wanna screw up their more or less expensive day / weekend at the park by falling around being fubar (not to mention that parks in general sell drinks at high prices, so booze gonna be respectivly expensive aswell)

And I guess it worked in the States aswell back in time when parks sold that stuff.

So... uhm... why bother?

I mean, seriously, IF some folks in the park can't stand a day without booze or really want to feel the thrill of Kingda Ka the drunk way, who's gonna stop them anyway?

[Airtime&Gravity 0]

^Great Adventure and the rest of the chain have been selling beer for a long time, and Six Flags over Texas will only start to now if they get permission. I think Six Flags over Texas is the only park that doesn't yet, but I'm not 100% sure.

Edit:

 V I thought that, but the park is across from Rangers Ballpark, so I don't think that it is a dry county.  I think a large part has to do with the fact that it is a family destination and that those opposed imagine things will happen if guests are allowed to drink while at the park.

[Meg 368]

Which might have more to do with the liquor laws in the county where the park is located.

 

In some states, there are still dry counties or counties with restrictive liquor laws.

 

 

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: SkiGeek 

In some states, there are still dry counties or counties with restrictive liquor laws. quote>

Quirky liquor laws, too.

In Connecticut, it's illegal to sell alcohol on Sunday. All the liquor stores are closed, and if you go to the supermarket the beer fridge will have the lights off and be covered over with a tarp or locked.

The town of Wilton is a dry town, and they chose to remain that way after prohibition ended not due to any objection to alcohol but for an unrelated reason: there was concern that if they went wet that the main drag through town (Route 7) would become lined with bars and the town would lose its character as a quiet little old New England town. Which, by now, it's long ago lost as the suburbia of metro New York has swallowed it up, but the law still stays.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Six Flag over Texas /Hurricane Harbor are in Arlington Texas. right in the middle of the city

by the Baseball park/ new Cowboy facility ( Sim City planing there ).

Six flags has been there for a long time, And never sold alcohol at all, Maybe thats why i thought it was wierd/dangerous that the other parks did. 

Still think it a bad idea at a water park.They dont allow you to drink while boating or at city lake parks due to safety concerns, i dont see why safety concerns would not extend to a place were people would be around water while drinking.

Does Disney sell booze at their parks? I'm sure they do at the upscale restaurants in the park.

Arlington booze laws:

You can buy Beer/Wine in stores either convenience/groceries stores , but liquor buy the bottle only in Ft Worth  parts of which are adjacent to Arlington, and only in Liquor Stores, or any alcohol by the drink city wide in restaurants.