The sale of beer at New Bedford Bay Sox games at Paul Walsh Field has been suspended for the rest of the season, but President Pat O'Connor says the team will be back next year offering a revised plan for alcohol sales.

Fans purchasing beer this year at Bay Sox games had to remain in a designated area while drinking the beverage, and could not drink alcohol in the stands.

Selling beer at Bay Sox games was controversial right from the start.  Because Paul Walsh Field is the property of the New Bedford School Department, the New Bedford School Committee had to give the okay, which it did earlier this year.  Critics claimed selling alcohol on school property was improper.  But backers of the Bay Sox and others said the move would attract more fans, and help keep the franchise in New Bedford

O'Connor says he plans to appear before the School Committee next year, again seeking permission to sell alcohol. He says next year's plan will likely be different, but he declined to offer specifics right now.

O'Connor tells WBSM News, he was disappointed with the low volume of sales this year, but he's convinced that beer sales at Bay Sox games can be successful. He says there were no negative incidents during the past season.

The New Bedford Bay Sox are members of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

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