Why do they take the lids off the water/beer bottles at a concert?

Question

I was recently at Heinz Field to see Bon Jovi and Nickelback. When someone bought a plastic bottle of water or beer, the staff removed the plastic lid and kept them before giving you your drink. Anybody know the reason for this?

Answer 1

In most places the law requires these items to be consumed on premises and the license doesn't permit them to sell for off-premise consumption.

Convenience stores usually have the opposite rule. You can't consume them on premise.

Answer 2

It s to prevent using them as weapons. In the first instance an Evian bottle wil 2/3rds of its liquid removed, crushed a little and the top replaced is a handy improvised kosh. In the second it s so you don t launch a 1/2 pound projectile into the crowd or performer. My source is that I am a barman at a venue. I ve seen both versions used in anger.

Answer 3

I think Warren D's answer is good, but I would add a practical reason that most people don't carry around beer bottle openers and even the twist offs can be hard or impossible.

Answer 4

So people can't throw them into the crowd and be beaming people in the head for fun. You still get to throw the bottle, though.

Answer 5

To prevent people from slipping and falling on a discarded cap.

Answer 6

to prevent the audience from throwing them at people whether onstage or off

Answer 7

they do that to reduce the risk of someone leaving with it. that and to show the consumer that the seal wasnt tampered with.

Answer 8

So no one throws them on stage....

Answer 9

the tops are removed so that they are not thrown.

Answer 10

maybe thats the way they do inventory?