Aberdeen Football Club has decided to withdraw its application for a temporary alcohol license for a trial pre-match fan zone outside Pittodrie Stadium, BBC Scotland News has confirmed.
The club had sought an occasional license from Aberdeen City Council to serve alcohol before the upcoming St Johnstone fixture on Saturday, December 7. The proposed fan zone would have operated between noon and 14:45, just before the 15:00 kick-off.
Aberdeen City Council issued a statement confirming that the application had been withdrawn, but did not provide further details. The club has yet to comment on the decision.
The fan zone was part of Aberdeen’s efforts to enhance fan engagement and improve the matchday experience for supporters. The club’s ticketing platform would have invited home fans to claim a free ticket for the fan zone.
This development follows the Dons’ unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership, which ended with a 2-1 defeat to St Mirren over the weekend. Aberdeen currently sits second in the league.
In Scotland, the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 has restricted the sale of alcohol at football grounds for over four decades. However, there is an exemption for corporate hospitality areas. Other clubs in Scotland have run similar trial fan zone schemes, while alcohol is available at some other sporting events in the country, such as rugby matches.
A Scottish Government spokesperson stated: “We have no plans to change the ban on alcohol sales at Scottish football grounds. We regularly meet with the Scottish Professional Football League to discuss a wide range of issues, including the sale and consumption of alcohol at football matches. We will continue to engage with the football authorities, supporters’ groups, and clubs on ways to enhance the fan experience.”
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