Aberdeen have been granted a permanent alcohol licence for matches at Pittodrie after two trials last season. The change applies to the Richard Donald Stand Lower concourse and starts with the club’s first league match of the season against Hearts on 1 August. Supporters will be able to buy alcoholic drinks until 30 minutes before kick-off.
What changes at Pittodrie
The detail matters because the licence is limited. Drinks may only be consumed in designated areas, and not in sight of the pitch. Aberdeen also say alcohol will only be sold for lower risk non-category CIR matches, so this is not a free-for-all, just a specific matchday change in one part of the ground.
Alan Burrows said on BBC Sport that supporter feedback had “consistently highlighted the value of providing a more modern and flexible stadium experience”. He also said the club had worked with the relevant authorities to make sure “the necessary safeguards and operating procedures are in place”.
That is a sensible way to frame it. The club is adding a licensed sales point inside a defined concourse area, with clear limits on where drinks can be taken and when sales stop.
The opening fixture and recent context
The timing is neat enough, because Hearts arrive at Pittodrie on 1 August. Hearts have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five league matches, while Aberdeen’s last five league matches show two wins, one draw and two defeats.
The pair have also split recent meetings by the narrowest of margins. Aberdeen beat Hearts 1-0 in their most recent home league meeting on 2025-11-23, and Hearts won the corresponding away fixture 1-0 on 2026-02-28.
Burrows said the club was grateful for the positive feedback from supporters about how the previous trials improved the match-day experience, and the permanent licence is the obvious next step after that. The practical impact will be seen at the opening home league fixture, when the Richard Donald Stand Lower concourse is in use and sales run up to 30 minutes before kick-off.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
