Cricket clubs stop serving teas for fear of being sued if someone suffers an allergic reaction

Bailing on sandwiches and biscuits? Cricket clubs stop serving teas for fear of being sued if someone suffers an allergic reaction

  • The traditional tea break sees clubs lay on sandwiches, pies, scones and cakes
  • Many local clubs are now opting out of doing them after changes to league rules
  • Eden Valley Cricket League in Cumbria and Scotland said many clubs will drop it 
  • One official said clubs are scared of litigation if someone has an allergic reaction

Hundreds of cricket clubs across the country are dropping the traditional tea for fear of being sued over allergens.

For years, clubs have laid on tables of tasty homemade sandwiches, pies, scones, cakes and biscuits for players, umpires, scorers, and spectators.

But as the season starts this month, many are opting out after leagues dropped rules requiring teas to be held.

The tea break, which has been a fixture of village cricket for decades, could be on the way out (file picture)

Eden Valley Cricket League, a major village league covering Cumbria and Scotland boasting over 30 teams, is among those that have bailed on the tradition this season. 

Fixtures secretary Matthew Burbury said the decision was made ‘with a heavy heart’ amid fears of litigation if someone suffers an allergic reaction.

‘Even in Test match cricket they break for tea,’ he said. 

‘Everyone on the committee felt it was the wrong decision but we did not feel we had any other option.’

Advertisement