Supporters Direct Scotland calls for alcohol debate

A study carried out by Supporters Direct Scotland claims to show the majority of fans want to see Scotland's ban on alcohol at football grounds lifted.

The sale and consumption of alcohol in football grounds north of the border has been banned since Celtic and Rangers fans rioted at the 1980 Scottish Cup Final.

But SDS has released research showing 61 per cent of supporters would back a repeal of the so-called booze ban''.

The results of the study, conducted last year as part of the National Football Survey, appear as part of an SDS research paper entitled 'How Fans Affect Football' which examines the benefits and negatives of the drink ban.

It also showed 48 per cent of those surveyed agreed that the ban had been successful in reducing crowd disorder and anti-social behaviour at Scottish games.

However, there have been recent calls to have the restrictions lifted in a bid to draw supporters back through the turnstiles. Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy visited New Douglas Park and St Mirren Park over the weekend after announcing his plans for a consultation on alcohol sales at grounds.

He has proposed designating some high-risk games alcohol-free but Health Secretary Shona Robison says she would be very sceptical and concerned'' about the re-introduction of drink to Scottish stadiums.

Andrew Jenkin, head of SDS, said: It is clear that there should at least be a debate surrounding the issue of alcohol in Scottish football. Supporters Direct Scotland has previously suggested a trial period for any relaxing of regulations and our research shows that fans would be in favour of this.

There is a strong argument that restrictions on the sale of alcohol are actually detrimental to the safety and well being of supporters. When we examined the existing literature around the topic, there were several academics of the view that safety becomes jeopardised. This is because fans rush to turnstiles from bars and pubs in order to make the kick-off. This could be avoided should there be relaxation of the current legislation.

While we appreciate there are implications to consider, we feel there is enough demand to at least examine a trial of the provision of alcohol.

For the benefit of the game, supporters should be engaged in decision-making processes such as this. We as an organisation are more than happy to play our part in any dialogue between the decision makers and the supporters.''

The Scottish Football Association has already given its backing for the re-introduction of alcohol at football.

A spokesman told Clyde Sport: We remain supportive of a co-ordinated, collaborative and respectful approach to the reintroduction of alcohol into Scottish football stadia.

We have held informative discussions with Police Scotland, the Scottish Government and other political parties and will be continuing that consultation process with a view to forming a compelling case for the relaxation of the ban.''