Spectators attending Scotland's second leg of their Women's World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic will be permitted to consume alcohol at their seats for the first time in over four decades. The match takes place on Tuesday, 13 October at the Marbill Coaches Stadium in Paisley, with kick-off scheduled for 19:15 BST.
This represents a historic shift in Scottish football policy. Since 1981, supporters at professional matches in Scotland have been prohibited from drinking in areas with a view of the pitch, with alcohol consumption restricted to hospitality sections only. The Scottish FA has described the initiative as
"another significant step forward"and stated that the aim is to
"explore how a managed approach to alcohol sales can contribute to a positive and safe matchday experience".
How did this policy change come about?
The shift follows a lengthy period during which alcohol was banned from stadiums except in designated hospitality areas. Recent pilot schemes have begun to ease these restrictions. Aberdeen has already been granted a permanent alcohol licence, though drinking there is limited to the stadium concourse before the match begins and only for matches classified as "lower-risk". Other clubs have been permitted to run temporary fan zones outside their grounds as part of trial programmes.
Where will alcohol be sold at the match?
Alcohol sales at the Paisley fixture will be confined to the West and East stands at the Marbill Coaches Stadium. Renfrewshire Council approved the application on the basis that women's football is not covered by legislation that prohibits alcohol consumption in view of the pitch, a restriction that applies to men's matches.
What is Scotland's position in the tie?
Scotland holds a commanding advantage heading into the second leg. The team secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg on Friday in the Czech Republic, with goals from Caroline Weir in the 57th minute and substitute Claire Emslie in the 65th. The Czech side played with a numerical disadvantage after Nela Krejčířová was sent off in the 87th minute. The winners of this tie will advance to the second play-off round.
What happens if Scotland progresses?
Should Scotland overcome the Czech Republic, they are scheduled to face the winner of the Sweden-Lithuania tie in a two-legged play-off. Sweden, semi-finalists at the past two World Cups, holds a commanding 5-0 lead from their first leg and is almost certain to progress. If Scotland advance, the play-off against Sweden is scheduled to take place between 26 November and 5 December, with exact dates to be confirmed.
