First Minister John Swinney has confirmed there are no plans to lift the alcohol ban in Scottish football.
The SNP chief responded to recent discourse over whether the booze ban should be lifted.
Last week, Health Secretary Neil Gray had stated any proposal on lifting the alcohol ban would be given "serious consideration".
🎥: “We have no plans to go down such a route” 🍺: The First Minister’s responding to calls to lift the alcohol ban at football 🗣️: Health Secretary Neil Gray last week said the Scottish Government would give “serious consideration” to any proposal from football authorities 👇 pic.twitter.com/D2UpuvKONM
— Clyde 1 News (@Clyde1News) September 30, 2024
His comments came after SNP backbencher George Adam suggested the ban should be removed in order to help clubs increase income.
Mr Adam said: “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 for everyone.
“I think in these challenging economic times it gives (clubs) another string to their bow, another chance to make some money.
“That goes back into our football teams.”
Health Secretary Mr Gray added: "We've not had any proposal yet 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."
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However, Mr Swinney has now stated the Scottish Government do not plan to lift the ban as he cited Scotland's "relationship with alcohol" and the need to keep sporting environments 'safe and supportive for all'.
He told Clyde 1 News: "The government doesn't have any plans to do this.
"Obviously, if we have points put to us we've got to consider whether we want to take them forward.
"The Health Secretary was simply indicating that as a government that will receive representations, we will obviously consider those points.
"We have no plans to go down such a route because it's important that we take all necessary steps that we can to ensure that we address the country's relationship with alcohol and that we have a safe and supportive sporting environment for all."
Pushed for his own view on alcohol at football matches, the FM added: "I have a viewpoint as First Minister of Scotland and the government doesn't have any plans to take such a step."
