Scottish football in talks over possible U-turn on 38-year alcohol sales ban

Discussions have taken place that could lead to the lifting of the 38-year ban on the sale of alcohol at Scottish football grounds. Representatives from the Scottish Football Association, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government have held talks about a potential U-turn, with Euro 2020 matches to be staged at Hampden Park in line for a pilot scheme.

Glasgow is the only one of the tournament’s 12 host cities where supporters would be unable to buy alcohol in the stadium.

Police Scotland has said it would be open to discussing changes to the law, although Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins warned widespread public consultation would be needed to assess support.

The ban on alcohol being sold at Scotland’s football grounds was initially brought in following a riot at the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers with no alcohol being served in Scottish grounds.

Corporate hospitality areas are exempt from the rule, but the forthcoming Euro 2020 competition could lead to a change in the law.

Uefa has taken the decision to relax its own rules on the sale of alcohol during its competitions, meaning the cities staging matches in the 2020 event are free to sell alcohol – provided local laws allow it.

Hampden is set to stage three group games and one last-16 fixture, but any change in Scotland’s laws would require government legislation.

There has already been opposition to the idea from the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), with vice-chairman David Hamilton claiming that there are “particular problems for football and the idea of adding alcohol to that mix does not seem to make sense”.

The SPF said there was already evidence that football chiefs were already struggling to manage crowds.

Mr Hamilton added: “We don’t have the same problems in rugby stadia that we do in football.

“We don’t see toilets being ALISON DOUGLAS

Alcohol Focus Scotland chief executive trashed, we don’t see pyrotechnics.”

Alcohol is sold at English games, but cannot be drunk “in view of the pitch”, so fans are able to have a drink before the match and at half time, but not in their seat.

Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said it would be “misguided” to lift the ban on alcohol within football grounds.

She added: “We’re still seeing more violent incidents and domestic abuse on match days and often alcohol is involved. It’s also only two years since we saw a violent pitch invasion following the Scottish Cup final. Whilst there is no excuse for violent behaviour, adding alcohol to the mix is unlikely to improve things.

“Football matches should be a family-friendly environment where people feel relaxed and happy to bring their children.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “We will continue to discuss these issues with Police Scotland, the Scottish FA and a wide range of other organisations to ensure our national game is safe and enjoyable for all.”

“We’re still seeing more violent incidents and domestic abuse on match days and often alcohol is involved”