Scotland fans cleared to drink in seats under Paisley play-off alcohol licence

Scotland supporters will be allowed to drink alcohol at their seats in designated sections of the Marbill Coaches Stadium after Renfrewshire Council approved a licence for the women's World Cup play-off against Czechia. The Scottish FA announced the decision on Monday, confirming that the arrangement will apply to Tuesday's match at St Mirren's ground in Paisley.

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Under the arrangements published by the Scottish FA, alcohol can be bought from kiosks in the West and East stands and consumed in those seating areas. Sales will begin when turnstiles open at 5:45pm and end 15 minutes into the second half. The North and South stands will remain alcohol-free, with consumption prohibited in those sections.

The governing body said licensing requirements would be supported by security and stewarding measures. It described the initiative as a way to assess whether controlled sales can support a safe, positive experience for spectators. The announcement follows earlier trials at Scotland men's internationals at Hampden and at matches in the Scottish Professional Football League.

BBC Sport reported that the permission marks the first opportunity for supporters at a professional football match in Scotland to drink within sight of the pitch since 1981. The broadcaster said the women's game is not covered by the legislation that prohibits such consumption, allowing the council to approve the application. The decision concerns the specified match and designated areas, rather than a general change across Scottish football.

Previous experiments have operated under different restrictions. According to the BBC, Aberdeen secured a permanent alcohol licence following pilot schemes, but drinking there is confined to a stadium concourse area before play and to matches assessed as lower risk. Other clubs have tested temporary fan zones outside their grounds. Hospitality areas had been an exception to the longstanding stadium alcohol ban.

The licence has been granted for the second leg of a tie Scotland lead 2-0 following Friday's away match. The winners advance to the next play-off round. Sweden hold a 5-0 advantage over Lithuania in the tie that will determine their opponents, although that contest has not yet been completed.