SNP government giving ‘serious consideration’ to end Scottish footie alcohol ban

THE SNP government is giving “serious consideration” to lifting the alcohol ban at football matches in Scotland.

Scottish footie fans have not been allowed to drink in stadiums across the country since 1980, with only supporters in hospitality allowed the chance to have a drink on matchdays.

The ban was put in place following the ugly scenes at Hampden during the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic.

But SNP MSP George Adam believes it’s about time the restrictions were lifted so clubs up and down the country can reap the financial benefits.

He told MFR 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.”

And Health Secretary Neil Gray responded positively to the plea from the SNP.

He said: “We’ve not had any proposal yet from football authorities as to what that would look like or how that would be managed, but any proposal will be given serious consideration in light of the situation we’re talking about on the risk to harm.”

Former First Minister Humza Yousaf was against the idea of ditching the ban as he outlined how alcohol is still a “big problem” in Scotland.

Speaking to Clyde 1 Scoreboard last year, 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.”

But it is clear there is a shifting view towards the 44-year-long ban as Sports Minister Maree Todd admitted this week that she wishes to give football supporters the same opportunities as fans of other sports who do have access to alcohol.

Responding to a written question from the SNP on the matter, she said: “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 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.”

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