By Democrat reporter
First Minister John Swinney said today his Government had “no plan” to review the controversial legislation banning alcohol in football grounds which was introduced by the Tories in the wake of disorder at the 1980 Scottish Cup final.
The SNP leader said his priority was instead creating “a safe and supportive sporting environment for all”.
A difference in law means fans attending sporting events in England and Wales are free to enjoy drinks in stadium concourses, but are banned from taking refreshments back to their seats.
The ban has frequently been criticised for penalising smaller clubs which have limited means to raise revenues.
Hopes were raised for a possible reprieve last week when Neil Gray, the Health Secretary, said SNP ministers would give “serious consideration” to lifting the ban.
Asked about Gray’s comments, Swinney denied the ban would be lifted.
“The Health Secretary 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 relationship 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 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.
SNP MSP George Adam is among those calling for the ban to be lifted. He 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, 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 said.
A rule for one but not for another. Allowing VIPs to imbibe but not the punters is a nonsense.
But maybe the English and Welsh fans, or the better heeled Scottish football fans can be trusted and allowed a drink whilst the other Scots and can’t.
It doesn’t make sense. More so today when the minimum price of alcohol goes up.
And then you look at supermarkets selling alcohol. You can buy a box of four, six, eight, ten, twelve, eighteen or twenty four can of beer or cider. But can you buy ONE can. No you can’t. Minimum is Four.