Legislation on alcohol ban at football games ‘outdated’, ministers told

Laws governing the sale of alcohol at football matches are “outdated and out of touch”, the Scottish Government has been told as it was urged to lift the ban on drinking at games.

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) wants ministers to introduce a season-long trial allowing fans to buy and drink alcohol at stadiums.

The current ban means alcohol can only be consumed within hospitality areas.

Aberdeen FC are set to be the first Scottish Premiership club to trial the sale of alcohol inside the concourse of a stadium since the ban was introduced more than 40 years ago.

The trial will take place on Sunday when the Dons take on Kilmarnock at Pittodrie after the club obtained a one-off licence from Aberdeen City Council’s licensing board.

It follows similar trials during Premier Sports Cup matches at Arbroath, Ayr United, Queen of the South and Stirling Albion prior to the start of the league season.

Paul Togneri, from the SBPA, said: “Scottish football has the highest per capita attendance in Europe, yet the matchday experience for fans pales behind other nations.

“Recent trials have shown how alcohol sales at football grounds can improve the matchday experience and generate vital revenue for clubs without compromising supporter and player safety.

“We urge the Scottish Government to act now and introduce a season-long trial as part of a route map to the full reintroduction of safe and moderated consumption of alcohol at football matches.”

Alcohol has been prohibited in Scottish football stadiums for 44 years, with the ban initially imposed following a riot during the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden.

A legislative change would be required to amend part of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 to allow the sale of alcohol at football stadiums.

Mr Togneri added: “The legislative framework governing the sale of alcohol at football is outdated and out of touch.

“Scottish football fans deserve the same opportunity to enjoy a pint watching their favourite team with friends as fans across the border do. It’s time for the Scottish Government to end the ban and trust the fans.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our position on alcohol sales at Scottish football grounds has not changed.

“It is for local licensing authorities and Police Scotland to satisfy themselves that the pilot projects are permissible within the current legislative framework when granting licences.”