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Murrayfield drink ban dropped
08/06/2007
Rugby fans should once again be able to enjoy a pint of beer during Scotland's international matches at the home of Scottish rugby later this year.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has agreed that national laws which ban the sale of alcohol at designated sports grounds for certain events will no longer include senior men's rugby internationals at Murrayfield.
It will now be up to Edinburgh City Licensing Board to consider any licensing application. Alcohol is already available at Murrayfield at non-international occasions.
The move is a trial and Ministers will be looking carefully at the effect of the change, particularly in relation to responsible alcohol retailing and public safety.
In return, Scottish Rugby is making clear its committment to supporting the promotion of responsible drinking throughout Scotland. Furthermore it is also committed to increasing the existing development of grassroots rugby projects - including those designed to engage youngsters at risk of entering a life of crime.
Mr MacAskill said:
"There is a world of difference between people drinking a bottle of cheap cider in a park to get drunk and enjoying a pint of beer at half time of a rugby match.
"We've listened to representations from fans, Scottish Rugby and the police. The fans can't understand why they can have a drink at Twickenham and the Millennium Stadium and at some rugby games and not others. They want to be able to enjoy a civilised drink during international matches at Murrayfield.
"That's why after careful consideration I'm removing the restriction on alcohol being sold at rugby internationals. But let me be clear - this is not a licence to binge drink, to go to the rugby and get drunk.
"We have discussed these measures with Scottish Rugby and there will be limits in place, measures to make sure responsible drinking is encouraged and stewards have the powers to take action against anyone who is causing a nuisance or making trouble.
"I'm also keen to see how extra revenues for Scottish Rugby from alcohol sales will now be re-invested in grass roots rugby activities - providing more activities for young people who often rightly complain that there isn't enough for them to do.
"This Government will also be closely monitoring how this works in practice and we will not hesitate to reintroduce the ban if necessary."
Scottish Rugby's Chief Executive Gordon McKie said:
"This is excellent news for Scottish Rugby and we will ensure the sale of alcohol at future Murrayfield internationals is managed responsibly.
"We are committed to growing the game and getting rugby out into all communities. Any financial benefit gained by the responsible sale of alcohol at Murrayfield will enable us to put even more investment into the grassroots, including facilities in the Community game.
"We believe sport can play its part in reducing crime and inspiring youngsters through our Scotland players to take up rugby is a priority."
An order has been laid in Parliament today that aims to de-designate Senior Men's International Rugby under The Sports Grounds and Sporting Events (Designation) (Scotland) Order 2004. It also means that any other ground hosting a Senior Men's International Rugby match could apply for a license.
The catalyst for change on licensing was the trouble on the Hampden pitch in 1980 in the Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers. The trouble was largely attributed to the volume of alcohol consumed by spectators at the match. At that time there had been widespread concern at football matches over security, and segregation of football fans had not yet been introduced. In response to the Scottish Cup final incident, the Scottish Office sought to introduce controls over the consumption of alcohol at football matches.
Murrayfield was excluded from the original draft legislation but the police proposed to introduce the alcohol ban at all major sporting venues. Acting on police advice, the SRU voluntarily asked for Murrayfield to be included in the alcohol ban.
In 2004 the legislation was amended for rugby, to only encompass banning the sale of alcohol at senior men's international matches.