Celtic looking into Parkhead beer sales

CELTIC are investigating the possibility of alcohol sales at Parkhead, more than 30 years after the practice was banned from Scottish stadiums.

Fans can drink alcohol at Scotland rugby matches - but not football games. Picture: TSPL

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Celtic chief Peter Lawwell has said that fans’ attitudes have changed to the extent that a trial of licensed sales should be attempted.

Lawwell said: “I feel we are at the stage in Scotland where we should be testing it again in a pilot. Inside the stadium it’s sensible and controlled. If people have had too much, the police are there.”

Alcohol has been banned from Scottish football stadiums since 1980, with fan trouble at the Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic of that year the catalyst for changes in the law. Lawwell stressed that no formal application to allow the sale of alcohol has been made.

Lawwell’s comments come as the chief executive revealed plans to improve the matchday experience at Celtic Park would be announced at the end of May.

He said: “We are looking at a more modern, advanced family section. We are also looking at what is happening around Celtic Park and have plans to make big changes.”

Alcohol and sport: Where and when

You CAN have a drink:

• Anywhere at Murrayfield or Scotstoun, home to Scotland’s top-flight rugby teams and the national side

• In a corporate box at a Scottish stadium

• On a concourse or in a stadium bar at some English stadiums

• At Hampden - provided you’re there for a gig and not a match

You CAN’T have a drink:

• Inside a football stadium in Scotland

• At your seat at any English football match (this rule has been in place since 1985)