Beer wench is a colloquial expression used in Australia to identify a young woman employed on a casual basis to attendcricket matches and servealcoholic beverages, particularlybeer, from thebar area within thestadium to spectators at their seats. Beer wenches ensure that patrons will not miss a single ball throughout the day's play by removing the need to queue at the bar for alcohol.[1]
A beer wench will frequently be attired in aswimsuit,bikini or other costume which is intended to be both visually appealing and sexually provocative.[2]
The practice of hiring beer wenches developed at theSydney Cricket Ground andthe Gabba during the late 1990s and, despite public criticism[3] and being banned at some locations,[4] persists at international cricket fixtures within Australia to this day.[citation needed]
Thecustom made international headlines during the2006–07 Ashes series played betweenEngland andAustralia when an Australian fan advertised on UK websites for an English beer wench to serve beer to Australian cricket fans during theFourth Test at theMelbourne Cricket Ground.[5]
