AN OVERWHELMING majority of senior clubs want to end the ban on alcohol at football matches, the Scottish Conservatives have claimed, as they stepped up pressure for a change in the rules.

A survey conducted by the party showed 85 per cent of clubs wanted to re-examine the issue or at least see a pilot scheme launched.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson first called on the ban to be scrapped in September 2013.

The survey of all 44 clubs in the SPFL was conducted last year.

Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy revived calls for the ban to be dropped last December.

The Scots Tory survey asked a series of questions about alcohol at matches, which is currently available only to supporters in corporate hospitality areas.

Of the 26 clubs which responded, 23 - including eight from the top flight - backed a relaxation of the ban, with three opposed.

Eighteen were in favour of some restrictions, such as selling only low alcohol beer.

A majority of the clubs which responded - 16 - said they would benefit financially with a further four saying a change might increase profits and six saying it would not.

Seventeen clubs said they would be interested in taking part in a pilot scheme. Three would consider it but six would not, according to the survey.

However, 15 clubs said there were at least possible concerns about safety, compared with 11 which had no fears about drinking at games.

Ms Davidson said: "Our survey shows the vast majority of clubs are open-minded when it comes to bringing alcohol back to football matches.

"It's more compelling evidence that a pilot scheme to see how it works out would be the best way forward.

"There's certainly no shortage of clubs ready to try it out - but for some reason the Scottish Government seems unwilling to listen to them."

She added: "Football has changed significantly over the decades, it's now a more family friendly atmosphere, and the stadia are much safer.

"Scots are trusted to drink in football grounds at gigs and events but not after 3pm on a Saturday, and those same fans are trusted to drink at other sports, like rugby.

"Drinking at football works in other parts of the UK and across Europe.

"With that in mind, it's time to stop ostracising the sport and those who attend matches, and bring it into line with other sports and events."

The ban was initially imposed after trouble flared at the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic.

The Scottish government has said it has "no plans" to change the policy.

Health Secretary Shona Robison has said she would take "a lot of persuading" to reverse the ban.

Ms Sturgeon said "the case has not been made" and warned it might lead to rise in domestic violence.

Sir Stephen House, the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, has said he would be willing to hold talks with football's governing bodies if a consulation found in favour.

Labour leader Mr Murphy has said football fans should not be treated differently from rugby supporters at Murrayfield, where drinking is permitted.

He has called a summit meeting at Hampden on Friday and has invited representatives from the Scottish Football Association, football clubs and Police Scotland to attend.