I can’t believe it. Ever since I’ve been tailgating at Miller Park/County Stadium, I’ve been doing it illegally!

An article on jsonline.com today explains that due to a city ordinance, it has been illegal since 1980 to drink while tailgating.

Ordinance 106-2.1, which was passed in 1980, is the one we’ve been blissfully ignoring out there. It says it shall be unlawful for anyone to drink the strong stuff in public parking lots or parking structures. The fine is $50 to $250, probably depending on how much abuse is heaped on the arresting officer.

Milwaukee Police took over security at Miller Park this year… through that process, they found out about this ordinance. The good news is that the police aren’t being aholes about it.

Ald. Michael Murphy, who represents the Miller Park area, said he was approached in March by a police sergeant who had looked into the law.

“You know, we’ll have to ticket people out there,” the sergeant said.

“I don’t think that would be a wise course of action,” Murphy replied, clearly recognizing political suicide when he hears it.

Ok, I don’t know who that sergeant was, but you KNOW he was the kid in class with you in grade school or that annoying coworker of yours that always has to be the one that was right or the tattletale that has to get everyone in trouble. Good idea, sarge… ticket the over a million people that are tailgating every year. That will get people to come to the games.

Good news is that the The Common Council is expected to vote Friday to correct the embarrassing oversight and make drinking legal in the parking lots of Miller Park during sporting events and concerts. Phew.

GO CREW!!