Documents released through Freedom of Information show that they are looking at “a limited number of pilot projects” to allow alcohol to be sold to fans on the concourses.
Details of possible pilot projects were revealed in a briefing prepared for First Minister John Swinney ahead of his attendance at Scotland’s match against Croatia last November.
Minutes of a subsequent “Enhancing Scottish Football Roundtable” held in early December also released through Freedom of Information, show the Scottish Government told the force and game bosses that they were “committed to considering any proposals to allow the sale of alcohol in football grounds.”
As recently as last September, Mr Swinney said there would be no lifting of the alcohol ban.
“We have no plans to go down such a route because it’s important that we take all necessary steps that we can to ensure that we address the country’s relationship with alcohol and that we have a safe and supportive sporting environment for all,” he told Clyde radio.
In the briefing paper, the First Minister was told Sport Minister Maree Todd had “expressed the clear view” to the SPFL that, “while the door is not closed on the issue, any proposals coming forward would need to recognise the significant impact of alcohol on public health in Scotland.”
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The document goes on: “It is, however, recognised that in many if not most cases it is possible to have alcohol at football stadia at present anyway, either in approved fan zones or hospitality suites.
“Extending this to concourses in a limited number of pilot projects would be the proposed course of action, with evidence gathered to understand the results and impacts. “We understand from the SPFL that Police Scotland are open to discussions on this.”
Scotland fan Craig Ferguson (right) and John Swinney in Germany (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA) The sale of alcohol at football stadiums in Scotland has been banned for more than 40 years, following disorder at the 1980 Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic, which saw a mass pitch invasion and significant violence.
While Mr Swinney’s briefing paper tells him “there are no plans at this time to remove the existing general restrictions on alcohol at football matches in Scotland” it goes on to say the government does “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.”
At the roundtable on December 4, Calum Beattie, the Chief Operating Officer of the SPFL pointed out that Police Scotland “already categorise lower risk games, and this mechanism could potentially be used to enable alcohol to be sold in the ground.”
He said that while there were “legitimate concerns about the behaviour of a small minority of supporters”, it was “considered counterproductive to treat all supporters the same and engaging on this issue could possibly help to address wider behavioural problems.”
The minute said Mr Beattie called for football fans to “have the same rights as rugby and other sports.“ He also said, “public health messages about drinking need to be linked to wider society rather than just football.”
The report of the meeting goes on to note that: “The public health concerns around a change in law were acknowledged. Notwithstanding these, the Scottish Government is committed to considering any proposals to allow the sale of alcohol in football grounds from the SPFL and SFA.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A reintroduction of alcohol at football matches in Scotland would be a matter for Scottish Government and the footballing authorities.”