Aramark Ruling Could Have Major Implications For Other Facilities

Aramark has been ordered to pay a total of $105M to the family of a young girl who was paralyzed after being hit by a drunk driver on his way home from a Giants game at the Meadowlands, and the Superior Court ruling could have major implications for concessionaires and facility managers going forward. While there is no indication yet as to how Aramark’s policies will change, Aramark CFO Fred Sutherland did say, “I think Aramark will respond.” Aramark intends to appeal the ruling. But in addition to the obvious impact on Aramark’s bottom line and reputation, the decision may reverberate throughout U.S. sports venues, where policies regarding alcohol sales and staff training are likely to be re-examined. Attorney David Mazie, who represented the family, hopes the verdict will change how beer is served at stadiums and arenas, and he even pointed to the November 19 brawl in Detroit as more evidence of the “culture of intoxication” at sports events.

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