Sport and sensible drinking
10/09/2007
This year's Rugby World Cup promises to be a great showcase for some of the best rugby in the world. The games at Murrayfield also give the city of Edinburgh another fantastic opportunity to show visitors from across the world what a great place it is, both to live and visit.
For the first time in nearly a quarter of a century fans will be able to enjoy a half time pint. This isn't about giving rugby fans carte blanche to get drunk and cause trouble. It's about giving them the right to enjoy a couple of beers while they enjoy the game.
The eyes of the world will be on Murrayfield, so that right comes with certain responsibilities.
This brings the home of Scottish rugby into line with other international venues across the globe. I hope it can be an illustration of Scots being able to enjoy a drink or two without going too far.
It also ends the anomaly that meant alcohol could be sold at the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final but not at men's internationals.
Scottish rugby and the police have plans in place to make sure alcohol is sold responsibly and fans are reminded of sensible drinking limits. Stewards will have the power to take action against anyone causing a nuisance or making trouble.
It's particularly encouraging that Scottish rugby will be using senior players to promote responsible drinking. I hope that some of our well known players will help make Scots think about how much they drink and take responsibility for their own consumption. They can also help the younger generation to realise that being drunk isn't glamorous or something to aspire too.
I hope fans will accept their responsibilities and respect the confidence that we have shown in them. We are willing to trust them not to let us down and I hope they will repay that trust by drinking responsibly. But if this causes significant problems I won't hesitate to reinstate the ban.
I want to be able to show the world that Scotland can have a mature relationship with alcohol. I want to be able to prove that we can allow those who visit our country to enjoy a drink while they are watching the rugby.
It would be a shame if Scotland's cultural problem with alcohol was allowed to discourage people from taking in the sights of our beautiful country and capital city. If Scots love of drinking to get drunk put people of coming to watch the Rugby World Cup in what should be a spectacular opportunity for us to impress.
It's important that we use this opportunity as another example of our ability to host great events, both in Edinburgh and across Scotland as a whole.
We have a great track record - after all we've not long said good bye to another successful festival season - and I'm sure these matches will be another success story to add to the list.
It's particularly encouraging that Scottish rugby plan to use any profits made to further increase their investment in grassroots rugby - perhaps this will help to find the next Scotland captain!