Scotland fans allowed to buy alcohol at upcoming games

What the report says

Scotland fans will be able to buy alcohol at upcoming national team matches at Hampden Park after earlier trial sales were described as successful, BBC Sport Football reported. The approval covers Scotland’s home games against Switzerland on 29 September and Slovenia next month, following friendlies earlier this year against Japan and Curaçao that also used temporary bar set-ups in the stadium concourse.

According to the BBC report, four occasional licences have been granted for two concourse areas. The alcohol service will be limited to supporters seated in the relevant sections of the level five east bronze and level five west bronze areas. Bars are due to open at 17:45 for the 19:45 kick-off, with sales ending at 19:00 and a short window after that for fans to finish drinks.

Licensing lawyer Stephen McGowan told the Glasgow licensing board that the earlier fixtures “went well” and had no adverse incidents, framing the new matches as the next stage of a broader pilot. The BBC said the approach is being presented as gradual and safety-led.

Alcohol has generally been banned at Scottish football stadiums since 1981, although fans can often drink at away matches. The move is significant because it may inform future decisions on whether limited alcohol sales can be expanded at home grounds in Scotland.