Originally Posted by
dvs7310
... lounge attendants specifically say it's no problem to bring it in if asked.
I think a generous tip might be expected: suborning lounge attendants to indulge boorish behaviour is one thing - expecting cabin crew to risk their jobs for it is quite another.
As you say, there are outlets serving alcohol in the airport terminal. It might be better to have a beer there than embarrass or offend others by taking it into the lounge.