A proposal to let football fans buy alcohol at matches has been backed by clubs across Tayside and Fife.
The Scottish Conservatives are to write to every senior football club in Scotland seeking their views on the issue as they argue it is time to review the policy banning drink from grounds on matchdays.Senior figures at Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline and Forfar all gave the idea of fans being able to buy a pint before kick-off the thumbs-up, while Dundee United said they were keen to “explore” the possibility.However, Police Scotland last night said they were entirely “opposed” to the idea.Forfar chairman Alastair Donald said the extra revenue could prove vital to clubs in an ever competitive market.Although he admitted it might not be suitable for some matches, Mr Donald cited the great behaviour of the Tartan Army in London around last month’s friendly defeat by England as an example of being under the influence of alcohol not necessarily providing a catalyst for trouble.He added: “It would bring in more money and make for a better event for people to come to. I would encourage it and hope it’s successful.”Cowdenbeath chairman and renowned defence QC Donald Findlay said any bars at football matches would have to be tightly regulated under licensing laws but backed the idea in principle.Mr Findlay said: “If you take Cowdenbeath, the nearest bar is around 50 yards away and most fans are in there until 2.45.“Provided that’s what the fans want to do (have a drink before a match) it’s reasonable and if it make money for the club, all the better.”Dunfermline legend Jim Leishman added: “I think there’s some positives for it. It’s certainly worth a debate,” while a Dundee United spokesman said: “Alcohol being sold at grounds across Scotland again is something we’d like to explore.”Drink was banned at football games after rioting during the Scottish Cup final in 1980.Under the rules it can be consumed in corporate hospitality areas at football grounds, where the vast majority of supporters are priced out of, although not during the game itself.Alcohol can be consumed in England before matches and at half-time inside football stadia, as well as at other sporting events in Scotland, including rugby matches.Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said she wants football fans to be able to buy booze before kick-off and at half-time during games.She added: “There’s no reason why this should be successfully in place in England but not north of the border.“It seems unfair that people who can have a drink in a bar, rugby ground or even at a concert in football stadiums are unable to consume alcohol before they sit down to watch a game of football.“Such a change would have the potential for our cash-strapped clubs to bring in some extra income, while boosting the match-day experience for fans.”A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are opposed to any relaxation of the legislation regarding the sale of alcohol at designated sporting events.”A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We have no plans at this time to remove the existing restrictions on alcohol at football.”A Scottish FA spokeswoman said: “We welcome a sensible and robust discussion on this matter.”Blog: Bring back the booze.