Aberdeen City Council has approved a permanent licence allowing alcohol to be sold to supporters at Pittodrie on matchdays. The permission applies to the lower concourse of the Richard Donald Stand and will take effect for the club’s first home game of the season against Hearts on Saturday 1 August.
Where and when alcohol may be sold
The licence limits sales to the Richard Donald Stand lower concourse and restricts service to no later than 30 minutes before kick-off. The council’s decision follows two trial periods held by the club last season, which officials say demonstrated that controlled alcohol sales could be managed safely on matchdays.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Richard Donald Stand lower concourse |
| Sales cutoff | 30 minutes before kick-off |
| Effective from | Home match v Hearts, 1 August |
Club plans and matchday experience
Aberdeen FC has outlined a package of matchday activities to accompany the change, including live music, fan engagement and family-friendly entertainment. The club says previous trials drew positive feedback from supporters and that the introduction of licensed sales is intended to deliver a more modern and flexible stadium experience while maintaining safety.
"We are pleased to have secured a permanent alcohol licence for matchdays at Pittodrie... Supporter feedback has consistently highlighted the value of providing a more modern and flexible stadium experience,"
The club chief executive framed the licence as the product of co‑operation with relevant authorities and the implementation of appropriate safeguards and operating procedures.
What supporters should know
Supporters planning to attend matches at Pittodrie should note the following:
- Licensed sales are confined to the specified concourse area of the Richard Donald Stand.
- Alcohol will not be sold within 30 minutes of kick-off.
- Matchday entertainment and family offerings will continue alongside licensed sales.
The council’s formal decision concludes the process that began with the experimental trials last season. The approach reflects growing interest from clubs in updating matchday services, while balancing public-safety considerations and fan experience. Supporters and residents seeking detailed conditions of the licence can consult Aberdeen City Council or the club for the full operating procedures and any further guidance ahead of the opening home fixture.
