Will Aberdeen Pioneer Alcohol Sales at Scottish Premiership Matches?

Aberdeen Football Club has received approval to sell alcohol to fans inside Pittodrie during a Scottish Premiership match against Kilmarnock on 14 December. This marks a significant change in policy, as alcohol has been banned in Scottish football stadiums since 1981. The initiative is part of a pilot scheme aimed at assessing how alcohol sales could enhance the matchday experience while ensuring safety.

Last updated: 14 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Aberdeen FC will allow home supporters to purchase alcoholic beverages in the lower concourse of the Richard Donald Stand before the match against Kilmarnock. However, fans must consume these drinks in designated areas, away from the pitch, and sales will cease prior to the match starting. This pilot programme is the first of its kind in Scotland’s top division and aims to evaluate the implications of reinstating alcohol sales at football matches.

Key takeaways

Aberdeen FC is the first Scottish Premiership club to allow alcohol sales at matches.
The pilot scheme will be monitored to ensure safety and compliance with licensing laws.
Fans can only consume alcohol in designated areas, far from the pitch.
St Johnstone will also trial alcohol sales during matches against Queen's Park and Greenock Morton.
The ban on alcohol in Scottish football has been in place for 44 years, initiated after a riot in 1980.

Timeline: how we got here

The prohibition of alcohol in Scottish football stadiums has been in effect since 1981, following significant disturbances at the 1980 Scottish Cup final. Recent discussions around lifting this ban led to pilot programmes being established. Key dates include:

1981: Ban on alcohol sales in Scottish football stadiums enacted.
March 2023: Scottish government and Police Scotland announced they would consider lifting the ban.
December 2023: Aberdeen FC and St Johnstone commence pilot alcohol sales at matches.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The approval for alcohol sales at Pittodrie is a fresh development in Scottish football, with Aberdeen FC becoming the first club from the Premiership to implement such a scheme. This initiative is part of a broader examination of how alcohol can be safely integrated into the matchday experience.

What was already established

The ban on alcohol at football matches in Scotland has remained unchanged since 1981, with previous discussions about potential revisions to the law. Fans have long sought parity with rugby supporters, who are allowed to consume alcohol during matches.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The resumption of alcohol sales in a controlled environment could enhance the matchday experience for fans, potentially leading to increased attendance at matches. However, the measures ensure that consumption is restricted to designated areas, which may affect how fans socialise before and during games.

Businesses and jobs

This pilot could open up new revenue streams for clubs, promoting economic activity on match days. It may also lead to increased employment for security and stewarding staff to manage the sales and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Policy and regulation

The initiative has been approved by Aberdeen City Council, indicating a willingness to explore changes to long-standing regulations. Upcoming evaluations of the pilot will determine if further changes to alcohol sales policies in Scottish football are viable.

Numbers that matter

44 years: The length of time since the alcohol ban was imposed in Scottish football stadiums.
1: The number of clubs from Scotland’s top division currently participating in the pilot scheme (Aberdeen FC).
2: Matches scheduled for alcohol sales at St Johnstone (against Queen's Park and Greenock Morton).
15:00: The kick-off time for matches during which alcohol sales will be trialled.
14:00–14:45: The time frame during which alcohol will be sold at McDiarmid Park before matches.

Definitions and jargon buster

Scottish Premiership: The top tier of professional football in Scotland.
Pittodrie: The home stadium of Aberdeen FC.
Concourse: The area inside a stadium where fans gather, typically before or during matches.
Stewarding: The provision of staff to ensure safety and compliance with regulations at events.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can anticipate the upcoming match on 14 December, where alcohol sales will be trialled. Observations will be made regarding fan behaviour and the overall atmosphere during the game.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Results from the pilot schemes at both Aberdeen and St Johnstone will be evaluated to determine if alcohol sales can be expanded or made permanent, with potential implications for other clubs across Scotland.

Signals to watch

Fan feedback on the matchday experience during the trial period.
Reports from security and stewarding personnel regarding incidents or disturbances.
Responses from local licensing authorities and Police Scotland on the outcomes of the pilot schemes.

Practical guidance

Do

Enjoy the match responsibly and adhere to all designated alcohol consumption areas.
Engage with club communications regarding the pilot scheme and any developments.
Participate in feedback opportunities to voice your opinions on the trial.

Don’t

Consume alcohol outside of the designated areas.
Disrupt the matchday experience for other fans by drinking excessively.
Bring your own alcohol into the stadium, as this is strictly prohibited.

Checklist

Check the match day information for alcohol sales details.
Know the designated areas for consuming alcohol.
Plan your arrival time to enjoy beverages before the match starts.
Familiarise yourself with club policies on alcohol sales and consumption.
Be aware of the timings for alcohol sales at your selected match.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the pilot scheme is a progressive step for Scottish football, there are still uncertainties regarding fan behaviour and the overall impact on matchday safety. The success of these trials will depend on effective management and the cooperation of fans. Additionally, the long-standing ban's legacy may influence perceptions and responses to the introduction of alcohol sales.

Bottom line

The approval of alcohol sales at Aberdeen FC’s matches represents a potential shift in the culture of Scottish football, aiming to enhance the matchday experience while prioritising safety. The outcomes of this pilot will be pivotal in shaping future policies regarding alcohol sales in football stadiums across Scotland.

FAQs

What are the new alcohol sales regulations for Aberdeen FC?

Aberdeen FC will allow alcohol sales for home supporters in designated areas prior to the match against Kilmarnock on 14 December, with consumption restricted from view of the pitch.

How long has alcohol been banned in Scottish football?

Alcohol has been prohibited in Scottish football stadiums since 1981, making this pilot scheme a notable change.

What are the implications for other clubs in Scotland?

The pilot at Aberdeen FC could pave the way for other clubs to introduce alcohol sales, subject to the outcomes of the trial and regulatory approvals.