Scotland supporters will be able to drink alcohol from their seats at the nation's next home match, marking the first time since 1981 that the Tartan Army can drink in sight of the pitch. The 2027 Women's World Cup play-off second leg against the Czech Republic takes place at St Mirren Park in Paisley tomorrow night.
Historic alcohol licence granted
Renfrewshire Council granted what the Scottish FA has described as a "historic alcohol licence" to allow "the controlled sale of alcohol" before and during the match. This follows a number of successful trials and pilot schemes as authorities look to reintroduce alcohol to Scottish football.
Alcohol kiosks serving beer will be set up in the West and East Stands at St Mirren Park, but the North and South Stands have been designated alcohol-free. Drinks will be available from the turnstiles opening at 5.45pm until 15 minutes into the start of the second half of the match, which kicks off at 7.15pm.
Regulations and security measures
The Scottish FA has said that alcohol sales will be "managed in full accordance with licensing regulations" and that "appropriate security and stewarding measures" will be in place. Renfrewshire Council were able to grant the licence as legislation which prohibits the consumption of alcohol in view of the pitch does not cover women's football.
A 45-year ban has been imposed on drinking in football stadiums, with the exception of hospitality sections, following shameful scenes at the end of the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic. Rioting broke out in the stands and on the pitch at Hampden after George McCluskey's extra time winner for the Hoops.
Match context
Goals from Caroline Weir and Claire Emslie have put Melissa Andreatta's side in the driving seat as they recorded a 2-0 first leg win at the Arnosta Kostala Stadium in Pardubice on Friday, October 9. The winner of the tie will most likely play Sweden for a place at the 2027 World Cup after they thumped Lithuania 5-0 in the first leg in Kaunas.
A Scottish FA spokesperson said: "This is another significant step forward in the ongoing piloting of controlled alcohol consumption inside stadia. For the first time in decades, supporters in designated areas of the stadium can consume alcohol, purchased from concourse kiosks, in their seats. These sales will be managed in full accordance with licensing regulations, with appropriate security and stewarding measures in place. The aim of the initiative is to explore how a managed approach to alcohol sales can contribute to a positive and safe matchday experience."
