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Rugby fans urged to drink responsibly
01/02/2008
Rugby supporters will be able to enjoy a pint of beer while watching a six nations match in Murrayfield for the first time on Sunday and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who will join them at the game, is urging them to do so responsibly.
The Scotland against France match will be the first Six Nations match to be played at the stadium since Mr MacAskill agreed to remove the ban on alcohol at senior men's international matches last year. In return Scottish Rugby agreed to promote responsible drinking and invest profits from the sale of alcohol in grassroots and community rugby projects.
Mr MacAskill will attend the match and is urging supporters to drink responsibly and be on their best behaviour, as the ban could be put back if the consumption of alcohol causes trouble at the ground.
Mr MacAskill said:
"When I took the decision last year to allow alcohol to be sold for international matches at Murrayfield I made clear that this wasn't about granting rugby fans a licence to get drunk. It was, and still is, about being able to enjoy a pint during the match but doing so responsibly.
"I saw firsthand the sensible attitude of fans during the two world cup matches - which were the first to have alcohol sold. I hope those attending the Scotland against France match will behave in the same way.
"I know Scottish Rugby have limits and other measures in place to help make sure fans are drinking responsibly and I would urge all those attending to make sure they do so.
"It's not the drink that's the problem, it's how we're drinking it and I expect the fans to show they can be trusted. If they don't I'll have no hesitation in reinstating the ban - especially if there are problems with alcohol retailing or public safety.
"I know that Scottish Rugby will be playing their part by promoting responsible drinking messages as well as using any profits from the sale of alcohol to develop and promote projects that encourage more people to try and play rugby in their communities.
"I'd encourage fans to enjoy the game - as I'll be doing. I'll certainly be joining the chorus of fans wishing our national team good luck!"
The Justice Secretary announced that the ban on alcohol at men's senior international rugby matches would be removed on June 8, 2007.