Scotland’s Women’s World Cup play-off second leg against the Czech Republic in Paisley on Tuesday will make a piece of Scottish football history off the pitch as well as on it, with spectators permitted to consume alcohol at their seats.
It will be the first time football supporters in Scotland have been able to drink in sight of the pitch at a professional game since 1981. The match is being played at the home of St Mirren, the Marbill Coaches Stadium.
The Scottish FA described the initiative as “another significant step forward”, adding that the aim is to “explore how a managed approach to alcohol sales can contribute to a positive and safe matchday experience”.
Stadiums in Scotland had been subject to a lengthy ban on alcohol, with the exception of hospitality sections, until recent trials opened the door to a change in approach. Those pilot schemes have already led to Aberdeen being granted a permanent alcohol licence, though drinking there is limited to an area of the stadium concourse before the action and applies only to “lower-risk” matches. Other clubs have been able to trial temporary fan zones outside their grounds.
For this fixture, alcohol sales will be available in the West and East stands, after Renfrewshire Council approved the application. The approval was possible because the women’s game is not covered by the legislation that prohibits consumption in view of the pitch.
The match itself carries significant weight for Scotland, who lead 2-0 from Friday’s first leg. The winners of the tie progress to the second play-off round, where Sweden are almost certain to provide the next challenge — the semi-finalists at the past two World Cups hold a 5-0 lead over Lithuania ahead of their home leg.