05:08 h 05:08 h
Holyrood news News categories Culture, Sport & Tourism (HCL02) Alcohol sales to be allowed at rugby internationals | Alcohol sales to be allowed at rugby internationals |
|
|
| Friday, 08 June 2007 | |
|
Rugby fans will be able to enjoy a pint of beer at Scotland’s Rugby World Cup games at Murrayfield in September after the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill agreed that national laws thatban the sale of alcohol at designated sports grounds will no longer apply to senior men's international rugby matches. It will now be up to Edinburgh City Licensing Board to consider any application that Scottish Rugby put forward for the upcoming international matches. This move is described as a trial and ministers will be looking carefully at the effect this change has, particularly in relation to responsible alcohol retailing and public safety. MacAskill said: "There is a world of difference between people drinking a bottle of cheap cider in a park to get drunk and enjoying a pint of beer at half time of a rugby match. "We've listened to representations from fans, Scottish Rugby and the police. The fans can't understand why they can have a drink at Twickenham and the Millennium Stadium and at some rugby games and not others. They want to be able to enjoy a civilised drink during international matches at Murrayfield. "That's why after careful consideration I'm removing the restriction on alcohol being sold at rugby internationals. But let me be clear - this is not a licence to binge drink, to go to the rugby and get drunk. "We have discussed these measures with Scottish Rugby and there will be limits in place, measures to make sure responsible drinking is encouraged and stewards have the powers to take action against anyone who is causing a nuisance or making trouble. "I'm also keen to see how extra revenues for Scottish Rugby from alcohol sales will now be re-invested in grass roots rugby activities - providing more activities for young people who often rightly complain that there isn't enough for them to do."
Related news items: |
|
| Last Updated ( Friday, 08 June 2007 ) |
| Home |
| Holyrood magazine |
| Holyrood news |
| Conferences |
| Event Management |
| Employment Opportunities |
| Your holyrood.com website |
|
Have your say: We have introduced a comments system in our news and magazine article sections, submit your comments for approval. Your comments will feature in the "Your comments" section. |
