Tories renew football matches alcohol call after junior club handed licence

The Scottish Conservatives have renewed calls for the ban on selling alcohol at football matches to be scrapped after a junior club was granted a temporary licence.

Ayrshire club Irvine Meadow will be allowed to sell booze to fans from an outside bar on the terraces at Meadow Park during a match with Irvine Victoria next week.

The move, which was backed by Police Scotland and North Ayrshire licensing officers after no objections were received, has reignited the debate around the ban on selling alcohol at grounds.

It was initially imposed after a riot at the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic but alcoholic drinks can be served in corporate hospitality areas of football stadiums and to rugby fans at Murrayfield, where drinking is permitted.

The Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly called for a review of the ban.

A party spokeswoman said: "We believe the Scottish Government should examine the possibility of introducing alcohol at the football.

"It's wrong that it can be enjoyed in expensive hospitality areas but not by normal fans.

"The SFA (Scottish Football Association) has indicated it's in favour, most clubs are in favour and it's what the fans want.

"It would provide football with a much-needed boost, both as an attractive event to attend and financially."

The lifting of the ban formed a prominent part of former Labour leader Jim Murphy's ill-fated 2015 general election campaign but is not policy under current leader Kezia Dugdale.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The Scottish Government works with a wide range of organisations to ensure football fans can enjoy our national sport in a safe, enjoyable environment.

"Decisions are informed by police and other key partners, and there are no plans at this time to remove the existing restrictions on alcohol at football matches."

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