John Swinney insists alcohol ban at Scottish football grounds will continue

The First Minister said his government had "no plan" to review the controversial 45-year ban on the sale or consumption of booze in football grounds north of the border.

John Swinney has slapped down speculation the booze ban at Scottish football grounds could finally be lifted.

The First Minister said today his Government had "no plan" to review the controversial legislation which was introduced by the Tories in the wake of disorder at the 1980 Scottish Cup final.

The SNP leader said his priority was instead creating "a safe and supportive sporting environment for all".

A difference in law means fans attending matches in England and Wales are free to enjoy drinks in stadium concourses, but are banned from taking refreshments back to their seats.

But clubs in Scotland are legally barred from selling alcohol to supporters at games, with limited exceptions for hospitality suites.

The 45-year-old has frequently been criticised as out of date and for penalising smaller clubs which have limited means to raise revenues.

Hopes were raised for a possible reprieve last week when Neil Gray, the Health Secretary, said SNP ministers would give “serious consideration” to lifting the ban.

Asked about Gray's comments, Swinney denied the ban would be lifted.

"The Government doesn't have any plans to do this," he told Clyde 1. "Obviously, if we have points put to us, we've got to consider whether to take them forward.

"The Health Secretary was simply indicating that, as a Government we will receive representations, we'll obviously consider those points.

"We have no plan to go down such a route, because it's important that we take all necessary steps that we can to ensure we address the country's relation with alcohol, and we have a safe and supportive sporting environment for all."

Gray said last week: "We’ve not had any proposal yet from football authorities as to what that would look like or how that would be managed, but any proposal will be given serious consideration in light of the situation we’re talking about on the risk to harm."

SNP MSP George Adam is among those calling for the ban to be lifted. He said: "Things have moved on in football and we need to look at this as a way of helping football clubs being able to generate more money.

"You already have alcohol at football games in corporate, it’s just a case of finding other areas or zones in grounds to do that and make sure it’s a safe and controlled environment."

Scottish politics

• Shipbuilder goes into administration
• Games 'likely' to return to Glasgow
• Scottish Labour 'losing members'
• SNP told to 'take responsibility'

To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.