Aberdeen granted permanent alcohol licence

Aberdeen Football Club has been granted a permanent alcohol licence by the city council for matches at Pittodrie.

They participated in two alcohol trials last season and a permanent licence - the first for a Scottish Premiership club - has now been granted for the Richard Donald Stand Lower concourse area.

Alcohol was banned in Scottish football stadiums since 1981 until the trials.

Supporters will be able to purchase alcoholic drinks until 30 minutes before kick-off.

But they will only be able to drink them in designated areas and not in sight of the pitch.

The new licence will come into effect for Aberdeen's first league match of the season against Heart of Midlothian on 1 August, but alcohol will only be sold for "lower risk non-category CIR matches".

A "pleased" Aberdeen chief executive Alan Burrows told his club website: "Supporter feedback has consistently highlighted the value of providing a more modern and flexible stadium experience.

"We have worked closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the necessary safeguards and operating procedures are in place.

"The club is grateful for the positive feedback from supporters about how previous alcohol licence trials had improved the matchday experience and we look forward to introducing this enhancement from our opening home league fixture against Hearts."