As Belfast Giants fans filled the SSE Arena for a home game on Sunday afternoon, some felt that the venue was ‘skating on thin ice’ with its controversial new reusable cup policy.
Last week, the SSE announced it would be one of several Belfast venues joining a trial of reusable cups in a drive to cut single-use plastics.
Under the new scheme, customers are charged an extra £1 for their first drink, to cover the cost of a reusable cup.
Customers then use the cup for any additional drinks, with all cups required to be returned when leaving the arena.
While the move has been welcomed by environmentalists, some customers had already voiced frustration over the non-refundable levy — particularly as other venues said there would be no extra charge, or patrons could keep the cup.
Giants fans, most of whom visit the venue several times a year, worry the levy will add up over time.
Mark Westlake (26) and Megan Westlake (31)
Mark (26) and Megan Westlake (31), who attend ice hockey games regularly, feel that the new policy doesn’t justify the added cost.
“I feel it’s a bit silly,” Mark said.
“Especially because in most places, if you’re paying that extra pound, you get to keep the cup, whereas they’re asking us to obviously return it and not get your pound back.”
Both said they would be happy to pay an extra £1 if they were getting something in return, like a discount or if they got to keep the cup.
Megan added: “I think people are a bit confused as to what the pound is going towards.
“Apparently it’s for the transportation and cleaning, but I think a lot of people will have been to similar arenas around the world which have done something similar [where] at least you get something back.
“I think in Nottingham, for their ice hockey games, they do collectable cups, where if you want to keep [them] you can and bring them [with you], or you can give them back and get your money back, or a discount off a next drink.”
And it’s not just the extra charge that is putting people off, as Megan explained: “A lot of people are confused about the design as well. It looks like a measuring jug. It’s not very appealing.”
Shauna Adams (38) and Kirsty Hughes (37)
Two other regulars at Giants games, Shauna Adams (38) and Kirsty Hughes (37), said they were concerned that the extra charge would add up over time.
“I think it’s a bit much, given that they’re reusable cups,” said Shauna.
“But you’re advised to give them back at the end of the night. You don’t get to keep them and you’re not allowed to bring anything in.
“I do think it’s a good idea that it’s only for the alcoholic drinks.”
Kirsty added: “But whenever you’re like us and you’re coming to every game, every time you come, that’s a pound.”
“Especially for season ticket holders who are here week in week out, sometimes two or three times a week, it can get very expensive if you’re having to hand them back,” added Shauna.
“I know it’s only a pound, but it still all adds up.”
Michelle Gilmore (51)
Michelle Gilmore (51) said she had paid the charge for the first time at Saturday’s game.
“I do think it’s a good idea to do away with the disposable plastics and stuff, absolutely,” she said.
“However, I have been in other arenas, at a play-off weekend in Nottingham, for example, where they do have the £1 levy but they return the pound when you return the cup, which I think is the better idea.”
Like Michelle, James Connelly (54) thinks the move away from single-use plastics is good, but believes the extra charge is “greedy”.
“I love the scheme; I think it’s a brilliant idea,” he said.
“Great for sustainability and the environment, but the application of the £1 charge seems to be a bit greedy.
“With the cost of drinks already at the [SSE Arena], it makes it prohibitive and it would discourage me from buying.
“If they gave the pound back or simply don’t charge it, it would be better.
“We’ve seen schemes like these elsewhere. When you go for Ireland rugby and stuff like that, you leave the cups at the end of the game and they’re washed.
“It will put people off. It will put me off anyway.”
James Connelly (54)
When asked about the £1 charge last week, a spokesperson from the SSE Arena said that the cost was “essential” to cover the cost of the scheme, explaining: “As the largest venue in Belfast’s citywide reusable cup trial, the £1 levy is essential to cover operational costs, including cleaning, sanitising and transporting cups to a specialist washing facility in Carryduff.
“The SSE Arena has been exploring this scheme since 2018 but lacked access to a local wash plant until now.
“The £1 levy was introduced as a transparent approach to funding the scheme. Any surplus from the levy will support The Odyssey Trust’s charitable and green initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.”
The SSE was contacted for comment.