TALKS have taken place about lifting the 38-year ban on the sale of alcohol at Scottish grounds – using Euro 2020 as a pilot. The Scottish FA, Police Scotland and Scottish government officials have sat down to discuss the idea of ending the moratorium, which was originally brought after the unrest between Celtic and Rangers fans at the end of the 1980 Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.

While it would take a redrawing of government legislation for the change to take place, and the SFA are keen to work collaboratively with all other stakeholders, there is thought to be unanimity amongst football’s hierarchy that the law forbidding the public sale at football grounds, with the exception of corporate hospitality areas, has become out of date in a backdrop where alcohol is freely on sale at English football grounds and many other major sporting events in Scotland.

Despite a recent change at Uefa level to permit the sale of alcohol at finals grounds, as it stands, Glasgow would be the only one of 12 host cities for the Euro 2020 finals where fans were prevented from purchasing alcohol in the stadium.

While Police Scotland are understood to be open to the idea of changing the law in this area, assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said it needed widespread public consultation to prove there was an appetite for it, while the Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said it would strongly oppose the idea.

"We don't have the same problems in rugby stadia that we do in football,” said David Hamilton, the SPF's vice chairman. "We don't see toilets being trashed, we don't see pyrotechnics. They are particular problems for football and the idea of adding alcohol to that mix does not seem to make sense."

Beyond Euro 2020, clubs are also missing out on revenue streams from alcohol sales and Dundee managing director John Nelms said recently that he would like to see change. "We're in the entertainment business and having a beer and watching the match with your mates would be fantastic," he said. "Just a few weeks ago I was at the Man City v Liverpool match and they had beer at that game. They are football fans and they behaved appropriately. I know there have been problems in the past but in the modern day, I think it's much less of an issue. I also think it would help boost attendances, especially for the smaller clubs."

A Scottish government spokesman said: "We will continue to discuss these issues with Police Scotland, the Scottish FA and a wide range of other organisations to ensure our national game is safe and enjoyable for all."