Falkirk FC has secured a later cut-off for alcohol sales in its popular fan zone after a compromise with local councillors. The club's request to serve drinks until just 15 minutes before kick-off was not granted, but the licensing board agreed to extend the last orders time from 45 minutes to 30 minutes before the game starts.
This change, applied for specifically for upcoming matches against Dundee and Kilmarnock, is intended to enhance the matchday experience and increase takings. Business development manager Lewis Dickson argued that the previous 45-minute rule was too restrictive for supporters who arrive later. He told the licensing board that the adjustment would aid crowd management and allow more fans to enjoy a drink before heading to their seats.
Proven track record
Dickson pointed to the fan zone's flawless operational history since its licensing in July 2025. The tented area at Westfield stadium has hosted 20 events without incident, including Scotland's World Cup matches and Falkirk fixtures. He asked the board to trust the team’s proven track record of managing events 'safely and responsibly'. Council licensing officers, however, expressed concern that a 15-minute drinking-up time could encourage rapid consumption and potentially spill into the match's commencement.
Balancing act
The resulting compromise of a 30-minute window aims to balance commercial and safety interests. Dickson emphasised that fans have a natural incentive to move inside, stating, "Supporters have no reason to stay in the fan zone until 3pm, this would only detract from their experience and result in them missing kick off." He noted most attendees head to their seats by 2:30pm for a 3pm start.
The club will hope the extra flexibility provides a small boost as the first team seeks to climb from 11th place in the Premiership. Falkirk have taken just two points from their opening five league games, with their most recent result a 1-1 draw away to Dundee United. The squad is currently dealing with several absences, with Aidan Nesbitt, Connor McLeod, Craig Sibbald, Ethan Laidlaw, Keelan Adams and Finn Yeats all sidelined.
