No more tokens: Brier Patch changes up pay system

Thirsty curling fans heading to the Brier Patch at this week’s championships can leave the cash at home.

The famous bar is now only accepting credit and debit cards.

“I’ll probably spend more money this way,” joked Randy Dolter.

(Left to right) Balgonie’s Randy and Shauna Dolter pose for a picture with North Battleford friends Shelley and Gary Mclaren in the Patch on March 3, 2018. (Jessie Anton/980 CJME)

“It’s way better than tokens,” added his wife, Shauna. “You always get a big pocket full of tokens and you go home at the end of the week and realize, ‘Oh no, I could have had another beer!'”

“I’ll miss the tokens because then you can count your beers,” another curling fan chimed in while walking by.

Despite mixed reviews, Brier organizer Bernadette McIntyre said it’s faster.

“Punch on the screen, there’s lots of volunteers there to help you out. They tell you how to order your drinks, the bartender’s right there, and you walk away with drinks — just tap and pay,” McIntyre explained.

“It’s easy, it’s more efficient. (Volunteers) don’t have to worry about balancing cash at night. It works very well for everybody.”

While the card-only system’s new to the Brier, McIntyre added it’s been used at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, where it has been a major success.

For those interested in buying pop or coffee, food vendors at the Brier are still taking cash.

The Patch opens everyday at 11 a.m. On Monday and Tuesday, it closes at 12:30 a.m. and from Wednesday through Saturday it closes at 1:30 a.m. Last call is a half hour before close.