The club's initiative to create a pre-match fan zone has been halted by council decision.
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Background on the alcohol sale proposal
Aberdeen Football Club recently announced the cancellation of its plans to sell alcohol outside Pittodrie Stadium before the upcoming match against St Johnstone. The initiative was intended to create a pre-match fan zone, allowing supporters to enjoy a drink before the game.
The club had applied for a temporary alcohol license from Aberdeen City Council earlier this month, aiming to enhance the matchday experience for fans.
Details of the fan zone initiative
The proposed fan zone was set to be located outside the Richard Donald Stand on Golf Road, with plans to serve alcohol from 12 PM to PM.
Fans were invited to claim free tickets for this area through the club’s ticketing platform. This initiative was seen as a trial run, developed in partnership with local brewers Fierce Beer, who already collaborate with the club to provide AFC-branded beer at the Fierce Beer 1983 Lounge within the stadium.
Historical context of alcohol bans in Scottish football
Alcohol has been prohibited at Scottish football grounds since 1980, a decision made in response to a riot during that year’s Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park. Despite this longstanding ban, alcohol consumption is permitted at other sporting events in Scotland, such as rugby matches. The cancellation of the fan zone proposal highlights the ongoing challenges faced by football clubs in navigating regulations surrounding alcohol sales.
Community engagement and future plans
Earlier this month, Aberdeen FC had expressed its commitment to enhancing community engagement through a partnership with Aberdeen Inspired, the city center’s business improvement district (BID). The club pledged to invest significantly in local initiatives aimed at attracting visitors to the city center and supporting local businesses. This investment is part of a broader strategy to foster community ties and promote local commerce, even as the alcohol sale proposal has been withdrawn.
Current status of Aberdeen FC
As of now, Aberdeen FC sits in second place in the Scottish Premiership, having recently experienced their first league defeat of the season against St Mirren. The team is set to travel to Edinburgh to face Hibernian, who are currently at the bottom of the table. The club has been approached for comments regarding the cancellation of the alcohol sale plans, but no statement has been released yet.
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