PDC wants to more severely punish players who smuggle alcohol into darts tournaments

The PDC will take tougher action against darters who smuggle alcohol into floor tournaments on the PDC circuit. They have noticed that more and more players are flouncing the rules around the consumption of alcohol.

The PDC has snared players in regular venues (Milton Keynes, Wigan, Leicester and Hildesheim) where the floor tournaments are played. Deals have been struck with the owners of these venues, with the drinks revenue going to the venues themselves. Therefore, the PDC does not consider it appropriate for players to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

This rule has been in place for several years, but for some time players have been trying to get around these rules by smuggling in alcoholic beverages, for example. According to the PDC, this is a violation of the tournament rules. After consultation with the PDPA (players' union) and the DRA (disciplinary committee), the PDC has come to the conclusion that stricter sanctions are needed for players who violate these rules.

Players who do attempt to smuggle alcohol with them can expect mounting fines. For a first offense, a player must determine a fine of £250. For a second (£500) and third (£1000) offense, even more money will be fined. If a player commits the offense for the fourth time within one calendar year, the matter will be referred to the disciplinary committee. It is then expected that a suspension will be imposed.

"There has been an increase in the number of instances where players have been food to have brought alcohol into venues at floor events. This has been disguised in water bottles and other containers. This is expressly forbidden and players have been notified that this is a breach of the Tournament Rules."

"The PDC have discussed this with the DRA and the PDPA and it has been decided that to deter such actions more robust sanctions are need for players who are caught bringing alcohol into venues at events.

"The new approach is to issue incremental fines for such breaches. The fines will be as follows and apply to all PDC floor events.

1st breach: £250

2nd breach: £500

3rd breach: £1,000

4th breach: a referral to the DRA Disciplinary Committee.