The “Grand Old Party” will be a little less “party” this summer. The RNC is restricting alcohol consumption at this year’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland to members of Republican Congressional leadership and major donors only.
Even delegates who need a little liquid courage in order to pull the lever for Donald Trump will have to seek out potent potables elsewhere—the official guide to the RNC does helpfully list several bars within walking distance—or pack a flask (of course, we’re not advocating breaking the rules). There will be no alcohol sales inside the arena.
If you’re lucky enough to be considered a VIP, you’ll get your buzz on at designated RNC “hospitality areas,” likely in the luxury suites at Quicken Loans Arena.
The RNC says the policy is consistent with that of the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, where liquor consumption was limited to the suites that circled the top rung of the Tampa Bay Times Center. It could also be part of the increased security measures the RNC had promised earlier this year—the prospect of hundreds of drunken delegates can’t possibly be considered a benefit by any potential party-goer.
On the plus side, prospective nominee Trump claims to have a better-than-average lineup for this year’s convention. According to Trump, his “dream team” of convention speakers includes NFL stars Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger, as well as the presidents of the UFC and NASCAR. Roethlisberger, at least, says he’s not likely to be on the schedule.
Kid Rock, however, has already confirmed.
