Scotland’s top cop may end football’s booze ban if a new public consultation shows support for the controversial move.
The Sunday Post can reveal thousands of Scots are to be asked for their view on calling time on the 35-year-old law in a series of focus groups and polls being launched by the SFA later this month.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen House said if the consultation shows that the public support the idea then he will enter into “formal discussions” with football chiefs.
He also revealed initial talks with the football authorities have centred on the idea of a small controlled pilot in one stadium selling only low-strength 2% beer.
It’s the first time the country’s most senior policeman has spoken out about potentially lifting the ban, which was put in place after fans rioted at the 1980 Scottish Cup Final.
However, Sir Stephen’s comments and the nationwide poll is a big breakthrough for the nearly two-thirds of fans that previous surveys have shown support scrapping the ban.
In a letter to SNP MSP George Adam, who is campaigning to get the ban lifted, Sir Stephen said he “remains to be convinced it is the right thing to do”.
But he added: “I do recognise the ban was introduced nearly 35 years ago and it is only right that Police Scotland reviews its policing and position in respect of such significant matters.
“Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins [the police’s lead officer on football issues] has insisted football authorities conduct a full public consultation to ascertain how much desire the Scottish public has for such a significant change. If the outcome of the consultation is that the public supports the idea, then we will of course enter into formal discussions with the footballing authorities.”
Alcohol can only be consumed at Scottish grounds in corporate and hospitality areas not in sight of the pitch.
Last year, St Mirren put on a successful “fan zone” event in a marquee in the club’s car park ahead of a match which sold booze to fans.
Paisley MSP Mr Adam said: “Sir Stephen is right, we do need to consult wider on this but I think it will get the public’s support because it’s a basic argument about fairness.
“Why can people choose to drink at rugby but not at football? We are generations on from the situation in the 1980s. The demographics have changed and we have more families and women at games so it’s high time we got rid of this ban.”
Mr Adam, who is calling on MSPs to back his bid to get a members’ debate on the issue in Holyrood, added: “The fan zone at St Mirren was a great success. It was about getting people to the stadium earlier and making it more of an experience. There were families there and entertainment.
“Not everyone will want a drink at the football, but they should have the choice like they do in every other aspect of their life outside of football.”
The opinion poll results, which police chiefs demanded were carried out by an independent firm and went beyond the football community and licensing trade association, are expected to be back with the SFA by next month.
It is understood this, along with previous polls and representations from the clubs, will be presented to the Scottish Government and police chiefs.
Football chiefs have taken a slow approach to overturning the ban. New Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has previously ruled out overturning the ban but it is understood that any softening of the police force’s position could change his stance.
A study published last year suggested nearly two-thirds of Scottish football fans want to see the ban on alcohol at games lifted. However, the majority of women who responded were against ending the restriction.
SFA Head of Communications Darryl Broadfoot said: “We are working on a cross-party basis, and across the football community, to build the case for what we feel is the long overdue return of alcohol to stadiums in a controlled, responsible manner.
“We will continue to engage with both the Scottish Government and Police Scotland on this issue as we go forward.”
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Drunks turned final into war zone
Legendary commentator Archie McPherson likened the scenes to Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now.
As the Celtic players held the Scottish Cup aloft after a 1-0 win over Rangers in 1980, the pitch below them at Hampden was swamped with both teams’ fans engaged in a fierce riot.
The police said the fact that some fans were drunk was the root cause of the battle and legislation was introduced to ban alcohol at all football grounds.
Today the restrictions do not cover those paying the top prices at corporate hospitality but, 35 years on, ordinary supporters at SPFL, Highland League and international matches are all still banned from buying alcohol.
Fans at rugby games and concerts aren’t affected by the legislation, although rugby fans at Murrayfield have only been allowed to watch the game with a drink since 2007.
Football chiefs in Scotland look on enviously at their counterparts in England where fans can buy booze underneath the stands before the games and at half-time. It has proved to be a vital money-spinner for English clubs and has also changed the culture at many stadiums, encouraging people to arrive earlier than they used to.
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