Hibs owner calls for lifting of alcohol ban to benefit fans
Looking to enhance the match-day experience, Hibs owner Ron Gordon is keen to pilot a scheme that would allow fans to enjoy alcohol at a stadium.
Insisting there are many ways in which Scottish football can learn from counterparts around the globe, as well as other sports, as it works to enhance the matchday experience, the Peru-born Us-based entrepreneur says he is aware of past issues but says clubs have far more controls.
At the moment, only those who buy up hospitality packages are permitted to drink within stadia on match days but, of the opinion that football is unfairly characterised by those in authority, he says he would love the opportunity to trial a carefully-monitored lifting of the alcohol ban.
“I find it a little strange,” said Gordon. “I understand that there is a legacy reason here and I know that there were problems in the past but I honestly feel we are well beyond that now. Clubs can certainly manage and monitor and make sure that things are done correctly. I would love to see us be able to have a beer at the game without letting it get out of hand. I think we are one of the very few countries that doesn't allow it .”
The recent fall-out from Rangers’ title celebrations, in which fans of the Glasgow club caused chaos and damage in the city centre as they partied and attracted widespread condemnation from the Scottish Government, will cause many to dismiss Gordon’s plans, but he believes that the initiative would give clubs a wide range of controls that currently don’t exist.
He also does not believe that every football supporter should be tarred with the same brush.
“I understand the concern but I also think it can be managed and done correctly and I think all of the clubs would be in favour of at least having a trial and seeing how it works. If it works well and we put in all the controls we need then we can take it from there but I would love to at least get an opportunity to try it.
“I think it is part of the gameday experience. People are still having their beer now, they are just not having it at the stadium. They are having it at the pub and then turning up two minutes before the game. That doesn't help the atmosphere. we would love to create the platform for a game-day production and we would absolutely be up for piloting that. We would put the right controls in because we want things to not get out of hand but I think we can absolutely do that because the majority of supporters behave and they know how to do that. There will always be some unruly supporters but if we can control that then we will be in good shape.”
As well as strong stewarding,the right messaging and far more advanced cctv and monitoring, there would be restrictions put in place to prevent anyone going overboard. In other countries there are limits to how many drinks can be purchased, and set cut-off points.
“Even in the USA, at half-time, that’s it, no more beer. So, at Hibs,wec an put necessary controlsin so that it works. if we are given the opportunity, we would open up an hour or two hours before the game and by halftime that’s it done and no more until after the game. Then people can go wherever.”
The option to enjoy a drink and socialise prior to kick-off is only one of several initiatives being looked at by the club.
He added: “One of our ambitions is to enhance the matchday experience and, to some degree, produce the game. It is not just the 90 minutes of football but producing the whole show.”