SCOTTISH football fans will finally be able to raise a glass at games with clubs selling booze this weekend.
Seven clubs have been given the green light to flog alcohol during matches in a controversial pilot scheme that kicks off on Saturday.
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It’s hoped the success of the SPFL scheme could see a 44-year-old booze ban lifted completely.
Stirling Albion and Arbroath are leading the way and their supporters can crack open a cold one at Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup clashes with Hamilton Accies and St Mirren respectively.
Arbroath fans will be able to buy drink in a special fan zone area from 11am until 2.45pm before the match, and until 7.30pm after the match.
Their fans will also be able to partake in a tipple around their clash with Annan on July 22.
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We also told how Scottish Championship club Ayr United have confirmed they’ve been granted an alcohol licence for a couple of upcoming matches.
Booze will be on sale at their two Premier Sports Cup matches at home against Arbroath on July 19 and Forfar on July 22.
The move comes more than four decades after booze was banned at Scottish football grounds in the wake of violent scenes between Rangers and Celtic fans in 1980.
Stirling Albion confirmed their involvement in the scheme, writing: “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.”
Partick Thistle will allow fans at Firhill to sup a pint before their matches against Stranraer on July 15 and Queen of the South on July 22, with council approval already in the bag.
Thistle said: “This 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.”
Queen of the South fans will be able to have alcohol at two matches at Palmerston Park – against Edinburgh City on 15 July and Ross Country on 19 July.
Two other mystery clubs are also taking part as home clubs in the scheme — but as yet their identities are still under wraps.
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.”
Despite Police Scotland saying in March it was “open to discussions”, the Scottish Government remains firmly in the no camp.
First Minister John Swinney made his stance crystal clear: “I understand the aspiration amongst football clubs and some football interests to take forward measures to address the ban on alcohol in football stadium.
“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.”
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The current rules have long sparked complaints of double standards — with rugby fans allowed to drink in the stands, while football punters have been forced to settle for soft drinks.
Last December, footie fans were left fuming after Glasgow Warriors played at Hampden with alcohol flowing freely — but Queen’s Park fans the day before were left high and dry.
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