Sox bleacher fans won't have direct access to the watered-down booze team wants to sell

The Red Sox today submitted plans to the Boston Licensing Board to sell what it said would be diluted mixed drinks at five locations inside the ballpark. In an effort to placate city officials, the team said it would not sell mixed drinks in the bleachers - although officials agreed bleacher fans could easily walk to one of the five other stands where the team does want to sell the liquor.

After meeting with Boston Police, the team also agreed to cut off liquor sales after two hours or the seventh inning, whichever comes first. Currently, the team cuts off beer sales after 2 1/2 hours or the seventh inning.

The Boston Licensing Board decides tomorrow whether to let Fenway expand its mixed-drink service beyond the suite levels.

Sox attorney Dennis Quilty said the amount of alcohol in the drinks would be less than in the 12-oz. beers fans can now buy - one ounce of rum mixed with 10 ounces of soda and ice, for example.

Board member Michael Connolly said he was happy to hear the Sox had reconsidered its original plan to sell mixed drinks in the bleachers. "The bleachers are always a potential time bomb," he said. "As long as it's not out on the bleachers, I'm OK with this proposition."

He referred to "the Sheffield incident," in which the then Yankees outfielder got into a scuffle with a fan in 2005 and had a beer thrown at him. Boston Police Supt. William Evans was also happy to see bleacher sales excised from the plan. "Traditionally, that has been our hot spot (for trouble)," Evans said.

The mayor's office and City Councilor Michael Ross's office also supported the new plan.

Dorchester district Councilor Maureen Feeney also spoke in favor. "I really feel this is such an important issue for all of us to focus on. Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox really have just transformed this city in so many ways under the new leadership."

Feeney said she believed the Sox want to offer mixed drinks just to offer fans an additional amenity as they watch baseball, not to help them get sloshed. "I don't think there's any institution that we do not hold more dear than the Red Sox and Fenway Park."

No one spoke against the proposal.