Community news
Written by: Joe
Lewes FC have launched a reusable cup scheme alongside the Lewes Town Council and Green United, which is being used across various venues and events in the town.
Since our launch, a number of supporters have asked further questions about how the scheme will run in practice and what benefits there are to buying a reusable cup.
>> Read: Lewes FC reusable cups
We’ve therefore tried to answer your questions below, to avoid confusion at the bar when you order your next pint!
How does the reusable cup scheme work?
The reusable cup scheme has been in operation across Lewes for a few months now. You might have seen them available at other events in the town, including Bonfire.
The initiative requires supporters to make a one-off purchase of £1 to buy their cup. This gives you a discount on drinks. When you get to one of the Dripping Pan bars, simply order your drink and the cost of the cup will be added to your payment. The next time you come to the bar, just hand over your cup and staff will use it to pour. If you would like your cup rinsed then please ask staff.
You can then take your new cup home with you and bring it to the next game, where you’ll continue to receive drinks discounts without having to pay for a new cup.
Why are we running this scheme?
The aim of our reusable cup scheme is to significantly reduce waste and costs for supporters, the football club, and our local community.
In previous seasons we have used throw-away plastic cups for pouring drinks, at a cost that runs into thousands of pounds over the course of a 30+ game season. These cups are thrown away and end up in the Newhaven incinerator.
Reusable cups cut our reliance on single-use plastic cups to zero.
Meanwhile, supporters financially benefit from the initiative through discounts on all drinks they order with a reusable cup. We estimate that you should “make back” the investment of your cup within four pints and you keep getting the discount after that too.
So, the club, the fans and the local environment all benefit.
Can I return my cup?
Yes, you can return your cup either at the bar or in one of the cup dispensers that will be dotted around the ground. You don’t get a refund for your cup but it will be washed, dried, and prepared for use at the next game.
Can I claim by cup back at the next game?
No. If you hand over your cup at the end of the match, or don’t bring it to the next game, then you’ll have to buy another cup.
What happens if I forget my cup?
If you forget your cup then you’ll have to buy another one at the bar. Our aim is to reduce single-use plastic to zero at the club, so we cannot pour into single-use cups instead.
However, please remember that your drinks discount means you’ll make your money back on the cup purchase very soon and you’ll have a great cup to take home and use at other Lewes-wide events.
Are the cups clean?
Yes. All cups are thoroughly cleaned and dried, ready for the next customer. Bar staff will also wash out your cup between drinks, if you ask.
What is the drinks discount?
Your drinks discount will vary depending on the drink you order but our intention is to ensure you “make back” your investment within four drinks. What’s more, you’ll keep getting the discount after that point and you’ll have a great-looking cup to keep too.