Lifting alcohol football ban would be step in wrong direction, charity warns

The ban has been in place since 1980 following unrest attributed to drunk fans at the Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic.

Sports minister Maree Todd has also said the Scottish Government recognised the calls from football supporters to have the “same opportunities” as other sporting fans.

But Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said removing the ban could lead to additional violence and make stadiums unsafe for families.

The charity’s reservation to the proposals come after figures published this month showed the number of alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland remains the highest since 2008.

READ MORE: 

Cuts ‘risk ability to treat link between alcohol and suicide’ 

Alcohol deaths in Scotland reach highest level in 15 years 

Booze, Baby Boomers, and a changing drinking culture

The data from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) showed 1,277 deaths were attributed to alcohol in 2023.

Ms Douglas said: “Increasing the availability of alcohol by lifting the ban on alcohol in football stadiums at a time when Scotland has just reported a 15-year high in alcohol deaths and is in the midst of what the Scottish Government itself has described as an alcohol emergency, would be a step in the wrong direction.

“They should be taking urgent action to prevent and reduce alcohol harm, rather than considering making alcohol more available at matches.”

“The ban on alcohol in football stadiums was introduced in response to a riot. In 2021, Police Scotland recognised that alcohol continued to be a factor in a large proportion of arrests in football.”

Her comments were in response to the Scottish Health Secretary, who said on Friday: “We’ve not had any proposals yet from football authorities as to what that would look like or how that would be managed, but any proposals will be given serious consideration in light of the situation we’re talking about on the risk to harm.”

It was in response to comments from SNP MSP George Adam, and lifelong St Mirren fan.

We note stories in the press/media today regarding proposals to lift the #AlcoholStadiumBan

We believe that this would be a step in the wrong direction when Scotland is in the midst of an #AlcoholEmergency

Read our full response 🔽https://t.co/T80vZZ5xrB

— Alcohol Focus Scotland (@AlcoholFocus) September 27, 2024

Mr Adam told Clyde 1 News: “Things have moved on in football and we need to look at this as a way of helping football clubs being able to generate more money.

“You already have alcohol at football games in corporate, it’s just a case of finding other areas or zones in grounds to do that and make sure it’s a safe and controlled environment.”

He added: “I think in these challenging economic times it gives them another string to their bow, another chance to make some money as well.

“And that goes back into our football teams, which we all support and hope do well, as well.”

The topic was also discussed through a parliamentary question, with sports minister Maree Todd stating: “The Scottish Government remains committed to reducing the significant impact of alcohol harm on the nation’s health through a range of measures including the forthcoming increase to Minimum Unit Pricing.

“However, we also recognise the calls for football fans to have the same opportunities as fans at other sports and events and we will continue to engage with the football authorities, supporters’ groups and clubs on ways to enhance the fan experience.”

However, Alcohol Focus Scotland has warned of the potential impacts, including an increase in domestic violence.

Ms Douglas added: “Even without alcohol in stadiums we have seen examples of violent disorder during or immediately after football matches in Scotland – including violent disorder and anti-social behaviour in Glasgow city centre over the past few years.

“We also know that reports of domestic violence increase around certain fixtures and that alcohol increases the severity of such violence. Making it easier to drink alcohol during the match is only likely to increase the risk of violence, accidents and other problems associated with binge drinking.

“People are free to have a drink before and after football matches. A 90-minute circuit breaker on people’s match day drinking allows people and families to enjoy matches in a safer and more inclusive environment.”

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) said it would not comment on the discussions.

However a Hampden insider said: “The Scottish football authorities are encouraged by the Health Secretary’s comments and we remain in open dialogue.”

The Health Secretary’s position is a step in a different direction after former first minister Humza Yousaf previously rejected the ideas.

Speaking to Clyde 1 Scoreboard in May 2023, he said: “We still have too big a problem in terms of our relationship with alcohol, so I think for me, what we’re trying to do is reduce alcohol consumption and make it less accessible as opposed to more accessible.”