In this section we will attempt to answer your questions about all things Surrey. Maybe you want to know how to get your kids into cricket, why Surrey has two festivals, what an ex-Brown Hatter is currently doing, what Surrey is doing for the local community, or who makes the food on the forecourt – anything goes.

Whatever you want to know, we will do our best to answer your question for you. The panel we have brought together to respond to your queries comprises of:

Chief Executive: Paul Sheldon
Club captain: Mark Butcher,
Cricket manager: Alan Butcher
Chairman of cricket: Roger Harman
Director of Sales & Marketing: Paul Blanchard
Director of Cricket Development: Paul Taylor
Oval Events Director Zac Toumazi
Operations Director: Carl Partridge
Finance Director: Nigel Roissetter
Librarian: Trevor Jones

So fire away. Send your questions into directhit@surreycricket.com or call 0207 953 7473 with your query.

The most frequently asked questions about Tickets and Refunds can be found here

The five best questions will be posted here on the Surrey website. Here are the best we’ve had so far…

Q1 Why has the alcohol policy been introduced?

The policy has been introduced to maximise the safety and comfort of supporters on two key safety grounds listed below and brings the regulations in line with all other major sporting events:

• The bottles or cans currently imported can be used as dangerous missiles or projectiles and these will be replaced by safer plastic containers sold within the ground.
• Should an incident occur, control of the ground is made significantly easier by closing all the bars and therefore preventing any further consumption from personal supplies while the incident is controlled.

Q2 Are there any exemptions to this policy?

The only way an exemption can be granted is if that Club hosting the game(s) provide an indemnity for the ICC against any legal action brought about by an alcohol related incident.

The Club has decided not to seek an exemption from this policy because, in effect, the Club will be responsible for any financial penalties incurred as a result of an alcohol related incident. These penalties could be significant and we are not prepared to put the long term financial security of the Club at risk.

Q3 Will this be the same at all other International Cricket Grounds in England and Wales?

All Test and One Day International grounds in the UK, with the possible exception of Lord's, have followed the ICC policy and ban the importation of alcohol from 2006. This is consistent with all overseas cricket grounds.

Q4 Is the Club going to profit from this decision?

Far from profiting from this decision, it will cost the Club significantly more to employ the extra stewards required to ensure the ICC regulation is followed.

We have not raised beer prices in 2006. This will be the third year running we have frozen these prices at the Brit Oval.

Q5 What is the wine choice at the public bars within the ground?

Wine will be sold in non glass containers and the options and prices are as follows:

• Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay 187.5ml @£4.00
• Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet 187.5ml @£4.00
• French Rabbit Chardonnay 500ml @£9.00
• French Rabbit Merlot 500ml @£9.00

We also have a 1 champagne bar at each end of the ground. There is no facility to pre order but the number and efficiency of the sales points have increased significantly following the redevelopment of the Vauxhall End.
We will continue to review the wine list as more brands become available in a non glass format.

Q6 What will happen to any alcohol that I try and bring into the ground or leave outside the ground?

Entry to the ground will be refused to those carrying alcohol. Any alcoholic items should be given up and placed in the bins provided outside the ground. These bin contents will be disposed of and crushed during the day.

There is no facility to store these items so they can not be left for collection later.

Q7 How has this policy been communicated to Members and Ticket Buyers?

Right from the beginning of the booking process for all Category A matches in 2007, we have included notification and information about this policy by:

• The Booking Form
• Printed on the front of your Ticket
• In a covering letter sent with your Tickets
• In the ticket guide sent with your Tickets
• In Direct Hit magazine
• In the Members 2007 Guide
• On our website
• Press Releases
• On the PA announcements at Oval and Vauxhall stations on the match day
• External signage at the Brit Oval

These regulations have already been in operation at the Test Match at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge.

Feedback & Complaints Procedure

If there are any issues that are not answered by this information sheet or that cannot be resolved on the day, please either put your feedback in writing to Surrey County Cricket Club, The Brit Oval, London SE11 5SS or please fill in one of the feedback forms available at the main reception (entrance 25) at the Pavilion End of the ground.

If you have a question that you think we should answer, please email directhit@surreycricket.com.

Add to Del.icio.us Digg it share on Facebook (What is this?)