This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Alcohol controls at sports grounds
14/05/2004
Sports Minister Frank McAveety today took steps to
clarify any misunderstanding about the extent of the
current controls on alcohol in sports grounds.
He said:
"We are conscious that there is a pressing need to
clarify the misunderstanding about the extent of the
present controls.
"The 1995 Act controls were intended to apply only to
international rugby union matches played at Murrayfield and
Hampden at senior men's level and not to other
representative matches such as women's or U21
internationals.
"We shall lay soon a Statutory Instrument under the 1995
Act which will remove any uncertainties about the extent of
the designations.
"Local Licensing Boards are responsible for determining
licence applications relating to the sale of alcohol inside
designated sports grounds for non-designated events.
"In reaching their decision, Licensing Boards are
informed by advice from the police. That advice will now
routinely include an assessment of the risk to public order
and safety made for each event or category of event. This
approach has been discussed and agreed with the Association
of Chief Police Officers (Scotland). The most recent
example of this approach being followed was the decision to
allow the sale of alcohol at Murrayfield on the BT Cup
Finals day.
"There have been a number of representations made to the
Executive recently on this issue, including those made as
part of the Nicholson Review on Licensing. The current
arrangements have worked well, and continue to play an
essential part in reducing drink-related disorder and the
risk to public safety in and around these events. For these
reasons, we see no merit in changing the position at this
time."
The issue of alcohol controls at sports grounds was
referred to in the Nicholson review.
There was no specific analysis or recommendations
relating to alcohol controls at sports grounds, addressing
only the current restrictions. However, as one possible way
forward, the report contained a suggestion to have a
limited pilot scheme at one of the major stadiums.