OXFORD — Racing fans will be able to enjoy a beer — or four — at their seats in the Oxford Plains Speedway grandstands this season.

A liquor license application for Polly’s Pit Stop that includes the expansion of beer sales into the stands was approved by the Board of Selectmen on Thursday.

According to Polly’s owner Dennis Fournier, beer sales were restricted to a beer garden at the first turn on the Speedway’s racetrack on Route 26.

With its new license, spectators can buy drinks at Polly’s main concession stand behind the main grandstands, and take their cold beverages to their seats, rather than have to stay within a designated area, Fournier said. 

Customers have been requesting the change, and it is expected at other venues, Fournier said. He is looking forward to seeing how the new arrangement works, he said.

The Speedway is asking for a second Oxford police officer to patrol the stands during races to make sure no one gets out of control, he said.

At a public hearing prior to selectmen’s approval of the license application, police Chief Jon Tibbetts said he wasn’t opposed to the plan, but did have some “reservations.”

“Dennis and I work well together and (Speedway Vice President) Mike Mayberry and I work well. I’m sure we can work out whatever issues we may have,” Tibbetts told selectmen.

According to the Speedway’s 2014 alcohol serving plan, provided by Fournier, spectators of legal drinking age will be given a wristband that will be hole-punched each time they buy beer.

Customers are limited to four beers during a race, and wristbands will be confiscated once the limit is reached. No alcohol other than beer is sold and spectators are subjected to a bag search when they enter the Speedway in order to prevent bringing in outside beverages.

Copy the Story Link