Scottish government close to lifting football ground booze ban but we must be wary

Record View says we can't afford to return to the dark days and violence of the 1980 Scottish Cup Final.

The SNP Government is seriously considering lifting the alcohol ban at Scottish football grounds. The idea was rejected by previous First Minister Humza Yousaf but now he is out of office the door has been opened for a possible change.

There are some positives to lifting the ban. It would allow all punters to enjoy a pint in the stands, instead of just the wealthy few who can afford to pay for hospitality.

It would also provide an extra means for clubs to make a bit of cash – which is always welcome. But Scotland has a bad relationship with booze and alcohol deaths are at a 15-year high.

The Scottish Government is increasing minimum unit pricing on Monday to help tackle our booze problems, so letting football fans down pints at games would fly in the face of that mission.

Any change in the law to lift the ban on alcohol may appeal to a party like the SNP, which is desperate to win back lost voters. But it must exercise caution before allowing bevvy back at the football again.

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We see plenty of disorder in and around our football grounds every week – with Old Firm matches regularly kicking off at noon so fans can’t get too tanked up beforehand.

While most people enjoy the game responsibly, those intent on causing bother could well be fired up by extra boozing allowed in the ground.

Older Record readers will remember the violent scenes at the 1980 Scottish Cup Final which ushered in the booze ban in our football grounds.

Such drink-fuelled scenes beamed around the world shamed our national sport all those years ago. We can’t risk returning to those dark days.

Luke and learn

The positive power of football is very much in evidence in the story of former professional footballer Luke Chadwick.

The former Manchester United player speaks out today to back the Record’s Our Kids... Our Future campaign.

He himself suffered verbal abuse as a player that left him struggling with his mental health.

But he has turned his life around and now runs Football Fun Factories across the UK for kids, encouraging them to play the game with a smile on their face.

He says he has witnessed first hand how the teamwork, discipline and fitness football brings has changed lives.

And he has praised community leaders across Scotland who give up their time to take kids off the streets and into sport.

We wish Luke all the best as he takes his message of football fun across Scotland.

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