A ban on alcohol at football matches will not be lifted in Scotland despite plans to allow drink at rugby union internationals at Murrayfield and Hampden.
A ban on alcohol at football matches will not be lifted in Scotland despite plans to allow drink at rugby union internationals at Murrayfield and Hampden.
The justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said no consultation will be held on allowing alcohol into football grounds while the police are opposed to a change.
However, he said the SNP administration would back a trial scheme, but only if police chiefs had a change of heart.
Mr MacAskill told Holyrood's justice committee that unlike football, rugby in Scotland had no history of violent behaviour at matches.
He added: "We have been quite clear that we will rule nothing in or nothing out, what matters here is the position and the advice of the police.
"At the present moment the advice from the police is quite clear, that they do not wish to see a relaxation for football stadia and that is how it stands."
The blanket ban came into effect in 1982 in reaction to crowd trouble at a Celtic v Rangers Scottish Cup Final at Hampden two years earlier.
At the committee meeting, the minister fielded questions on the technical aspects of the law change, which it is hoped will come into effect in time for the start of the rugby world cup later this month.
It means that fans will be able to take a pint of beer or a glass of wine to their seats when they attend senior men's rugby matches at Murrayfield and Hampden.
Mr MacAskill said it will bring Murrayfield into line with other UK rugby stadiums.
He claimed the rule change will lead to fans arriving promptly, but insisted it was "not a license to binge drink".
"We will see how this works in practice and I can say that if there is any misbehaviour or cause for concern we will not hesitate to re-introduce the ban if necessary," he said.
Cathie Craigie, Labour MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, said she was concerned that football was not being treated in the same way as rugby.
She asked the minister what discussions have been held with the police over the issue and what evidence there was that lifting the ban would exacerbate problems at football games.
He told her talks had been held with Acpos and that he had met police chiefs from across the country.
Mr MacAskill also cited city centre clashes between Hearts and Hibs fans following a recent Edinburgh derby as proof there were still problems.
If the police changed their mind and representations were received from football clubs, the minister said he would be prepared to change the law.
However, he added: "What I do have is a clear objection from the police at all levels to considering licensing football matches so therefore I'm not prepared to do it."
