Strollers granted licence

A FIFE community football club has been allowed to serve alcohol after concerns about fans storming the pitch were tackled.

Glenrothes Strollers Football Club addressed police fears about potential pitch invasions by introducing a rope barrier around the outdoor seating area at its pavilion in Over Stenton Park.

At a Fife Licensing Board meeting, Sergeant Gordon Hood from Police Scotland, confirmed the barrier would be sufficient, and the club was granted a licence to sell alcohol on the premises.

The move is a boost for the Strollers, who plan to use the café area to hold fundraising events.

Licensing consultant Janet Hood told councillors: “There are only 30 people allowed on to the veranda at one time.

“There’s 12ft from that barrier to the pitch side, and that would act to answer police concerns about people rushing on to the pitch, but I’m grateful to Sgt Hood for pointing out that may be an issue.”