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AFS response to suggested lifting of alcohol stadium ban

It has been reported in the media today that the Scottish Government are ‘seriously considering’ lifting the ban on alcohol being sold in football stadiums in Scotland.

Responding to the story, Alison Douglas, CEO of Alcohol Focus Scotland said:

“Increasing the availability of alcohol by lifting the ban on alcohol in football stadiums at a time when Scotland has just reported a 15 year high in alcohol deaths and is in the midst of what the Scottish Government itself has described as an alcohol emergency, would be a step in the wrong direction. They should be taking urgent action to prevent and reduce alcohol harm, rather than considering making alcohol more available at matches.

“The ban on alcohol in football stadiums was introduced in response to a riot. In 2021, Police Scotland recognised that alcohol continued to be a factor in a large proportion of arrests at football. 

“Even without alcohol in stadiums we have seen examples of violent disorder during or immediately after football matches in Scotland – including violent disorder and anti-social behaviour in Glasgow city centre over the past few years. We also know that reports of domestic violence increase around certain fixtures and that alcohol increases the severity of such violence. Making it easier to drink alcohol during the match is only likely to increase the risk of violence, accidents and other problems associated with binge drinking.

“People are free to have a drink before and after football matches. A 90-minute circuit breaker on people’s match day drinking allows people and families to enjoy matches in a safer and more inclusive environment.”