Drinking rule could mean underage 1D fans miss gig

UNDERAGE ONE Direction fans could be turned away from a gig in Scotland next week, because organisers want to sell alcohol.

Bosses at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium said younger fans will have to be under adult supervision because there is a bar on site.

Those under the age of 12 are not to be allowed to stand on the pitch, while those under 16 will also need to be accompanied by an adult.

However, passes for the Tuesday gig only specify supervision for under-12s.

The concert has been sold out with 50,000 tickets and parents now fear hordes of children could be left standing outside.

The restrictions were revealed as the previously squeaky clean image of the band has been rocked by a video showing them apparently smoking cannabis.

Laura Barfoot, who is taking her six-yearold daughter to the concert, said: “It wasn’t advertised well. I didn’t know at all.

“I have heard of people having to sell standing tickets and buy seated ones at a ridiculous price because they still want to go but can’t take their child because there’s a restriction.”

Local councillor Jeremy Balfour, who is on Edinburgh’s licensing board and represents the Corstorphine/Murrayfield Ward, said: “I have very serious concerns about the event and the safety of the young people involved if they are left unaccompanied outside the concert for several hours. If anyone under the age of 16 is unable to enter the event they should be given a full refund and an apology.”

Organisers insisted they would sell alcohol to adults and that they had assessed the risks involved.

A spokeswoman for DF Concerts, the gig promoter, said no refunds would be issued, adding: “The age restriction has been communicated via our event website, at point of sale and on the Ticketmaster website.

“We have also sent a direct e-shot to ticket buyers. Plus, a range of communications will be issued in advance of the event.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Police are working with our partners at DF Concerts, Murrayfield Stadium and the council to ensure a safe and secure event.”