If Scotland’s relationship with alcohol is as messy as a night on the tiles, putting that into a football setting is a hangover from hell.
For over four decades now, drinking at the football has been banned across all Scottish stadia following disorder at the 1980 Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic.
Recently, but not for the first time in the past 44 years, there were murmurings that the ban may be lifted.
These thoughts were quickly quashed by First Minister John Swinney, who insisted the ban will continue, which, in my opinion, is not only a great shame for fans, but also foolish and highly contradictory of lawmakers and football high heidyins.
First and foremost, to think that supporters up and down the country aren’t simply ‘tanking up’ on bevvy before matches and heading straight for the pub after, win, lose or draw, would be ridiculous.
Equally so, not allowing them to do so for 90 minutes in between is just as bizarre. It points to a basic lack of trust in your, largely, working class football fan when the opportunity to enjoy a drink is present at other venues such as theatres and rugby grounds.
From a business standpoint, which is of most importance in this situation in my view, the Scottish game and the powers that be who run it are missing a massive opportunity to drive revenue and improve football’s offering in this country.
In the past week, the SPFL, the body who govern Scotland’s top four leagues, have announced record turnover of £44.3m.
While this is dwarfed by other leagues across Europe, it is progress and progress which could be accelerated by improving the matchday experience for hardcore fans and football tourists alike.
One of the great appeals, for many, of taking in a game in somewhere like Germany is the ability to enjoy the on-pitch action with a pint in hand. Even in England, you can drink in the stadium, although not at your seat.
With this not achievable in Scotland, it drives away ‘fair-weather’ supporters, stag and hen dos, and others visiting our shores from taking in an enriching cultural experience.
Similarly, the contradiction and hypocrisy of the Scottish game entering into corporate agreements with companies like Glen’s Vodka and, most recently, official beer partner, Carling, but not selling alcohol at games is striking.
Football fans can, figuratively, have alcohol shoved down their throats while watching a game, but can’t quench their thirst at half time with a cold lager or glass of fizz. And, to add to the confusion, those in posh corporate boxes can have a drink before and after games.
Those against it will point to the trouble and social implications that come with alcohol, but only seem to have an issue around safety when it comes to drink being consumed at the football.
For me, a trial is the most sensible option to appease both sides of the argument.
If alcohol can be reintroduced to football stadiums successfully, it could be a gamechanger for the nation’s favourite pastime and, I believe, truly help Scottish football to continue to move in the right direction.
While we don’t have the riches of our neighbours in the English Premier League, what we have seen north of the border in recent years is increasing attendances and improved atmospheres at all levels of the game.
Per capita, Scotland boasts the best attendances in Europe, and has done for some time, community and youth engagement has played a huge part in this, with youngsters giving back with fanatical support of their teams.
Indeed, the sense of belonging and organisation around such groups has given young people a purpose and a focus for their weeks, driving them away from falling into the pitfalls of anti-social behaviour.
It’s impossible to get away from Scotland’s issues with alcohol and other types of substance abuse. However, depriving a whole subset of people, namely football fans, the choice to drink is also problematic.
There is a world where both issues can be tackled for the better of Scottish society, but only if those in charge can lose their blurred vision.
High street braces for the fall
In a flash, our fleeting Scottish summer has fled the scene and the dreich, cold of autumn has greeted our high street economy like a frosty kick in the teeth.
As the weather worsens and nights get darker, our nation’s high streets are immediately putting on a brave face as the retail sector turns its post-August focus to the potential rush tied to the end of the year – especially as the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) states that sales are still stuck in the doldrums.
Despite what is the smallest possible increase of 0.1 per cent when adjusting for inflation, Scottish sales are continuing to drop for retailers, especially groceries and food.
Obviously, with the ‘cost-of-living’ shadow looming over shoppers this year, this is sadly no surprise. It’s proving a challenge for businesses to sell products if prices are simply too high for consumers to even consider.
Add this to the fact that competition is fiercer than ever for the smaller crowd that are spending, and it’s becoming more cutthroat for retailers across the country.
That’s why I know a number of business owners I’ve spoken to await with bated breath on the Chancellor’s Budget announcement later this month, which has to provide some more optimism and hope for retailers – especially as the festive season is fast approaching.
Much like the impending threat of icier weather, any slight slip can be devastating and that applies to the drop in sales for businesses. We need to get a grip of this in order to keep the high street failing this fall.
It Made Me Laugh
Cone of silence broken
When you think of iconic Glaswegian imagery, the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art has to top the list. Not for any historical reason, simply because his unusual headgear of a traffic cone is the purest representation of the cheeky charm of the city and its residents.
The ‘artwork’ has even gone on to inspire mavericks in the art world such as Banksy, evolving from amusing prank to treasured landmark.
That’s why I had to laugh when a video of the ‘mystery mastermind’ behind the cone was filmed and unmasked on social media. The magic should remain, though, as the image of the Duke continues to be a popular tourist hotspot, with merchandise of the cone-clad statue also proving a massive hit for retailers.
It Made Me Weep
TGI saved – but not for all
A number of hospitality workers this week will be thanking their lucky stars with the news that food chain TGI Fridays will remain on high streets across the country, after a rescue deal saved most of their venues.
I’ve found that the US-themed restaurant seems to be an odd spot in terms of your usual high street restaurant chains, but I’m glad that private equity owners Breal and Calveton could step in to save the remainder of the business.
Unfortunately, as with most of this kind of last-minute acquisitions, there’s bound to be casualties, with two of the eight Scottish restaurants still having to close, leaving a sour taste to an otherwise positive news story.
