Aberdeen granted permanent alcohol licence

Aberdeen Football Club have been granted a permanent alcohol licence by the city council for matches at Pittodrie. The Scottish Premiership club participated in two alcohol trials last season and a permanent licence has now been granted for the Richard Donald Stand Lower concourse area. 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. 'No better person in the box to finish' - Robinson on Nisbet Nisbet hat-trick as Aberdeen win at Queen of the South Guinness-Walker on Star Wars legend Sir Alec & creating family legacy The new licence will come into effect for Aberdeen's first league match of the season against Heart of Midlothian on 1 August. 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 match-day experience and we look forward to introducing this enhancement from our opening home league fixture against Hearts." Visit our Aberdeen page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views Get Aberdeen news notifications in the BBC Sport app