WINNERS & BOOZERS

SNP MP insists Euros show that alcohol can work and claims lifting ban will help Scots clubs raise cash but campaigners say it's bad for our health

- PAUL HUTCHEON

AN end to the 44-year ban on alcohol at football grounds is being considered by the Scottish Government.

But health chiefs have sounded the alarm over the idea in light of record alcohol-related deaths.

Selling alcohol at games was axed after a riot at the 1980 Old Firm Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic.

Supporters in hospitality are able to consume booze but fans sitting in the stands cannot as a result of the ugly scenes.

This is in contrast to other sports, such as rugby, where fans can drink alcohol during the game.

SNP MSP George Adam, an influential backbencher, is leading calls for a rethink.

He said: "Things have moved on in football and we need to look at this as a way of helping football clubs being able to generate more money.

"You already have alcohol at football games in corporate, it's just a case of finding other areas or zones in grounds to do that and make sure it's a safe and controlled environment."

Health Secretary Neil Gray responded positively: "We've not had any proposal from football authorities as to what that would look like or how that would be managed but any proposal will be given serious consideration in light of the situation we're talking about on the risk to harm."

Alison Douglas, CEO of Alcohol Focus Scotland, criticised the call: "Increasing the availability of alcohol by lifting the ban in football stadiums at a time when Scotland has just reported a 15-year high in alcohol deaths and is in the midst of what the Scottish Government itself has described as an alcohol emergency, would be a step in the wrong direction.