The Newark Star-Ledger reported Jan. 12 that the family of Antonia Verni, 7, is suing beer concessionaire Aramark in connection with the October 1999 drunk-driving crash that left Verni paralyzed. The drunk driver, Daniel Lanzaro, had been drinking at Giants Stadium prior to the crash.

Verni's lawyers contend that Aramark vendors violated a rule against serving more than two beers to customers, routinely serve drunk fans, and face little disciplinary action. All this contributes to a "culture of intoxication" at Giants Stadium, the lawyers contend.

Lanzaro testified that he bought six beers at halftime of the game and was slurring his speech when doing so, but Aramark officials said there was no proof that vendors could tell that Lanzaro was drunk. John Mara, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Giants, denied that the team was permissive of intoxication, saying that such laxity would discourage fans from attending games.

Mara was also quizzed about allowing fans to tailgate and drink prior to games; he said gates were opened early so that fans would park and get to the game on time.

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