Further SPFL clubs granted licence to sell alcohol to supporters

Seven Scottish football clubs has been granted permission to sell alcohol to supporters at an SPFL match as part of a trial scheme.

Stirling Albion fans will be able to buy alcoholic drinks prior to their Premier Sports Cup game against Hamilton Accies this weekend, under certain restrictions, in an initiative to show that relaxing the ban on drinking can “enhance the fan experience”.

Partick Thistle have permission from Glasgow City Council to sell alcohol ahead of their games against Stranraer on Tuesday July 15 and Queen of the South on Tuesday July 22.

Thistle say the initiative “is to gather insight into how a carefully managed approach to alcohol sales can support a positive and safe matchday experience for supporters, as part of wider work taking place across Scottish football to improve fan engagement and enhance the overall stadium environment”.

Albion’s match on Saturday will be the first time ordinary fans will have been permitted to drink alcohol at a professional football game since a ban was introduced in 1981 as a response to rioting at the previous year’s Scottish Cup final.

The League Two side follow Ayr United in announcing a trial after Ayr revealed a plan to sell pints of lager to some supporters ahead of two matches later this month.

Four more clubs, as yet unnamed, will also take part in the pilot scheme.

A club statement read: “Stirling Albion FC is pleased to confirm that our home match against Hamilton Academical in the Premier Sports Cup on Saturday, July 12 2025 (kick-off 3pm) has been granted an alcohol licence by Stirling Council for the controlled sale of alcohol at the match.

“Alcohol will be available for purchase in the concourse area behind the South Terrace between 12.30pm and 2.45pm, for home supporters only. These sales will be conducted under strict adherence to licensing laws, with full stewarding and safety provisions in place.

“This initiative aims to evaluate how limited alcohol sales can enhance the overall fan experience while maintaining a safe environment.

“We’d like to remind fans that alcohol may only be consumed within clearly designated areas and is not permitted in view of the pitch. Designated zones will be clearly signed and actively monitored throughout the period of sale.

“We hope this will add to the enjoyment of the matchday experience for supporters and thank you for supporting this initiative. We will provide further guidance closer to matchday.”

Other clubs have also made a move to trial selling alcohol, with the backing of the authorities.

An SPFL spokesperson said: “The SPFL, alongside the Scottish FA, is supporting member clubs, who have been successful in obtaining licences to sell alcohol at concourses and fan zones for selected Premier Sports Cup group phase matches.

“Seven clubs from across our four divisions are involved, each operating within defined areas of their stadium and with close oversight from the relevant licensing boards, local authorities and Police Scotland. Any sale of alcohol will be fully compliant with all licensing laws.

“Work will also be undertaken to gather feedback from supporters on how they found the process and any impact it had on the matchday experience.

“This is another welcome step in our aim to improve the matchday experience for all Scottish football supporters and to receive parity with sporting, and other social and cultural events across the country.

“We wish our member clubs the best in organising these events, and we will work closely with them on the findings from these matches.”

The pilot schemes come just four months after Police Scotland had said it was “open to discussions” over test projects but the Scottish Government insisted there were no plans to change the legislation.

First Minister John Swinney said at the time he was “not sympathetic” to the views of those who wanted the ban lifted.

The sale of alcohol has been banned in Scottish football since 1981 after the previous year’s Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic erupted into a riot.

The ban has often resulted in comparisons with rugby, where fans are allowed to drink alcohol in the stands.

On December 22, 2024, Glasgow Warriors played against Edinburgh at Hampden with alcohol being sold in the concourse. A day prior Queen’s Park took to the pitch, however, fans were unable to drink.

“I understand the aspiration amongst football clubs and some football interests to take forward measures to address the ban on alcohol in football stadiums,” the First Minister said in March.

“I’m not sympathetic to that.

“I understand where they’re coming from, but I am not sympathetic to that.

“I think we’ve got a set of arrangements in place just now that work, that are appropriate, that are necessary, and I think we should stick with them.”