Ayr United Lifts 44-Year Scottish Football Alcohol Ban in Pilot

For the first time in over 40 years, alcohol sales will be allowed at Scottish football matches through a pilot scheme at Ayr United's Premier Sports Cup games against Arbroath and Forfar. A maximum of 66 supporters will be issued special £35 tickets, granting access to a designated bar area in the Main Stand where they can purchase up to five pints of Birra Moretti. Due to current legislation, fans will not be able to watch the game while consuming alcohol in the bar area. This pilot marks a significant shift from the 1981 ban, imposed following violence at the 1980 Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic, despite earlier government resistance to lifting the ban. The initiative aims to assess the safe sale of alcohol within stadiums and comes amid growing debate and support from various stakeholders, including some police and football officials. Meanwhile, in England, MPs are preparing to vote on potentially reviewing the ban on alcohol consumption in the stands of professional football matches, reflecting a broader reconsideration of longstanding restrictions in UK football.