BILLY BREMNER MEMORIAL JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN
Date: 11th April 2025
This is a subject that divides fans. Some believe it’s simply not worth the risk; others that times have moved on since the 1980 Cup final riot and we should trust supporters to behave. With that in mind, Alex Kang, one of the SFSA’ student volunteers from the University of Edinburgh, recently ran a survey which asked a series of relevant questions on this subject.
When we last did such a survey, in 2022, 72% of fans wanted the restrictions lifted. This year, a slightly higher percentage want this to happen. Given that there are strong opinions on this, we simply ask you to note what the response (from 720 fans across a huge range of clubs*) shows. The vast majority of those who responded are regular attenders at matches.^
We have shared the results of this work with the SFA and SPFL and will revisit this survey again in a year or 18 months’ time to see if the mood is still for repeal of the existing laws, albeit with safeguards and the likely use of a trial period before a full-blown change comes about, if it does at all. At the end of the day, this is a decision for the politicians, however, as we always say, any decision about football has to take account of the fans’ views. This is what you are telling us…
Do you, in principle, agree that all football supporters (not just those in hospitality areas) should be able to buy alcoholic drinks at grounds during matches?
Yes – 74%
No – 26%
When do you consume alcohol on a match day?
Before the match – 19%
After the match – 12%
Before and after the match – 42%
I rarely/never consume alcohol on match days – 27%
If you were able to buy alcohol inside grounds, would it make you…
More likely to buy a drink outside the ground before or after the match – 6%
Less likely to buy a drink outside the ground before or after the match – 35%
It wouldn’t make any difference – 59%
If alcohol is to be reintroduced, it should it be available for all matches, other than obviously, high risk matches, such as local derbies.
Agree – high risk/derby games should not have alcohol sales in grounds – 57%
Disagree – it should be available for all games, including big derbies – 43%
Where do you think alcohol should be allowed to be consumed?
In designated bars/concourse areas only, away from sight of the pitch – 65%
Anywhere within the stadium, including stands/terracing – 35%
Only lower strength alcohol (beer and wine) should be served, not spirits.
Agree – 64%
Disagree – 36%
All drinks must be served in plastic containers
Agree – 96%
Disagree – 4%
The football authorities should experiment with a phased introduction of low-risk, matches before a full programme of allowing alcohol at games is rolled out.
Agree – 74%
Disagree – 26%
*Clubs supported by respondents: Aberdeen, Airdrie, Alloa Athletic, Arbroath, Ayr United, Brechin City, Buckie Thistle, Camelon Juniors, Celtic, Clachnacuddin, Cove Rangers, Dumbarton, Dundee, Dundee United, Dunfermline, East Fife, Falkirk, Forfar, Fraserburgh, Gala Fairydean, Greenock Morton, Hamilton Accies, Hearts, Hibs, Inverness CT, Kelty Hearts, Kilmarnock, Lanark United, Linlithgow Rose, Livingston, Montrose, Motherwell, Oban, Partick Thistle, Queen of the South, Raith Rovers, Rangers, Ross County, Spartans,
St Johnstone, St Mirren, Stenhousemuir, Stirling Albion, Stranraer.
^Number of games attended in person by respondents
0-5 – 10%
6-10 – 13%
11-15 – 9%
16+ – 68%
Alastair Blair, Director of Operations, SFSA
Posted in: Latest News
Tags: alcohol in grounds