'No plans' to look at lifting Scottish football's booze ban - First Minister
John Swinney was speaking to us days after his health secretary, Neil Gray, told us any such proposals would be seriously considered
The First Minister has said he has “no plans to go down the route” of lifting Scottish football’s longstanding alcohol ban.
John Swinney was speaking to MFR News after his Health Secretary told us last week the Scottish Government would give “serious consideration” to any proposal from football bosses to allow alcohol to be served at football matches.
READ MORE: Scottish Government will give 'serious consideration' to lifting football booze ban
Drinking at games was outlawed following unrest between Rangers and Celtic fans at the 1980 Scottish Cup final, with only fans in hospitality currently allowed to be served alcohol on matchdays.
Last week SNP MP George Adam told MFR News about his attempt to have the Scottish Government look again at the legislation.
But on Monday, while reiterating that any such moves would be considered, John Swinney said it is not a priority for his government: “We have no plans to go down such a route.
“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.”
The Scottish Football Supporters Association had welcomed the Health Secretary’s apparent softening of the Scottish Government’s stance on the issue, saying it would support a gradual and tiered approach to reintroducing alcohol to football grounds.
But Alcohol Focus Scotland told MFR News the links between football and violence in Scotland made any such proposals difficult to get behind.