Ministers are prepared to hold talks over lifting the booze ban at Scottish football stadia – but insist it could be a tough sell.
SPFL clubs have been unable to sell alcohol at their grounds since 1980 when there was a mass riot at the Scottish Cup final between the two Glasgow clubs.
It has been a topic which has floated in and out of consciousness over the years, with fans often putting up the suggestion that it should be looked at again.
They feel they are unfairly treated when, for example, rugby fans can have a drink at matches when they are not trusted to do so because of the behaviour of the fans of two clubs over 40 years ago.
SPFL alcohol ban change will ‘have high bar’
It is not just the fans either as clubs want the chance to be able to sell pints at matches, like clubs can do over the border in England. It could help boost the coffers and football chiefs are looking at helping the clubs out with it, with SPFL CEO Neil Doncaster, chief operating officer Calum Beattie and SFA chief Ian Maxwell all getting involved.
But one source told the Scottish Sun: “Any return of alcohol to football grounds will have a high bar to jump over. It needs to be evidence-based which will be tough.”
Concerns over SPFL alcohol ban being lifted
There are some concerns around the behaviour of fans if they are allowed to drink at games, particularly at high profile games like the Edinburgh derby. And one proposal is for any change to exclude matches in that category.
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson said: “There are still problems with how some supporters behave and issues with levels of alcohol consumption. But does stopping people having a half-time beer make a meaningful difference? I’m not sure it does.”