First Minister John Swinney has insisted that the SNP Government have no plans to lift the ban on alcohol at Scottish football matches.
The legislation was introduced in 1980 after disgraceful scenes involving Old Firm fans following that year’s Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
It has remained in place despite repeated efforts from various supporters’ groups to have it abolished or, at the very least, amended.
Critics have argued that the ban is now outdated and not reflective of the average match-going fan, with football supporters feeling vilified and treated unequally compared to followers of other sports.
It had been suggested last week that Holyrood may be willing to give ‘serious consideration’ to lifting the ban on booze. SNP MSP George Adam said it would help clubs across Scotland generate more revenue, with Health Secretary Neil Gray also supportive.
Fans’ groups had hoped the drinks ban could be lifted at Scottish football grounds
First Minister John Swinney insists there are no plans to change the legislation
The ban was introduced after a riot following the 1980 Old Firm Scottish Cup final
However, Swinney has now dismissed any possibility of the law being changed — shooting down the views of those within his own party.
‘The Government doesn’t have any plans to do this,’ he said. ‘Obviously, if we have points put to us, we’ve got to consider whether to take them forward.
‘The Health Secretary [Gray] was simply indicating that, as a Government, we will receive representations, we’ll obviously consider those points.
‘We have no plan to go down such a route, because it’s important that we take all necessary steps that we can to ensure we address the country’s relation with alcohol, and we have a safe and supportive sporting environment for all.’
Gray said last week: ‘We’ve not had any proposal yet from football authorities as to what that (lifting the ban) 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.’
Adam had said: ‘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 (hospitality), 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.