For singers do cold drinks damage there voices?

Cold drinks per se do not necessarily damage your voice. If your vocal chords are tired from much use (could either be from speaking on the phone for a long time or after choir practice), then that is when it is affected.

They suggest that you not have a cold beverage before singing.

It is not recommended before you are going to sing. If you are not going to sing then it won't damage anything.

it doesnt damage your voice.
it could "play around" with your vocal chords.
& only if you drink right before a performance.
when you drink a cold drink, then sing, your vocal chords start to numb a bit, causing you to end up cracking your voice a little later on.
if you drink a cold drink and not sing, then its ok.


=]

who told you that? the only time it will trouble you is right before a preformance. other than that you're fine, no question.