The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has welcomed the move by Aberdeen City Council and labelled it as a moment of “real leadership”.
The board has also given additional flexibility in allowing venues to remain open 30 minutes after the final whistle of Scotland matches.
The SPBA said the move ensures pubs, bars and restaurants across Aberdeen can show Scotland’s late-night fixtures – kicking off as late as 2am UK time – without fans missing key moments of the national team’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Huge national pride
SBPA senior policy manager for Scotland Paul Togneri said: “This is an extremely welcome and pragmatic decision from Aberdeen’s licensing board.
“Scotland’s return to the World Cup is a moment of huge national pride, and fans should be able to come together in their local pubs to enjoy these historic matches – no matter the kick off time.
“Aberdeen has shown real leadership by recognising the importance of hospitality to our communities and our economy. We hope other licensing boards across Scotland now follow suit and adopt similar blanket extensions. Doing so would support responsible, well-managed venues and ensure fans everywhere can enjoy the tournament safely and socially.
Beating heart
“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for Scottish football. Our pubs are the beating heart of matchday culture and we want fans in every city and town to have the same opportunity that Aberdeen has now guaranteed.”
The World Cup is taking place in Canada, Mexico and the US between 11 June and 19 July.
The news comes shortly after the Scottish FA confirmed that sale of alcohol could be trialled during the friendly matches against Japan in March and Curaçao in May, which has been welcomed by the SBPA.
Togneri said: “This is a really positive step. The current ban penalises football fans for the actions of a tiny minority 46 years ago and is unjustifiable in our view. We’re hopeful it will finally be ditched soon and football fans will be able to enjoy a beer responsibly while cheering on their team.”
