Falkirk FC fan zone requests more time before kick-off
Falkirk councillors did not back Falkirk FC’s request to be allowed to change last orders in the fan zone from 45 minutes before kick-off to 15 minutes.
However, members of Falkirk Council’s licensing board did agree to a compromise, which means alcoholic drinks can now be served until half an hour before kick-off.
The football club told the board that they have now run 20 very successful events in the tented fan zone, in the grounds of the stadium at Westfield, which was first licensed in July 2025.
Members heard that there have been no issues at any events, which have included Scotland’s World Cup matches as well as Falkirk games.
Business development manager Lewis Dickson said the change would enhance the customer experience as well as boost takings for each event, but added that they also felt it would help with crowd management.
In particular, it would allow supporters who cannot get to the match early the chance to enjoy a drink before going into the stadium.
“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,” Mr Dickson said, adding that most people head to their seats at or before 2.30pm.
He asked the board to trust the team’s proven track record of managing events “safely and responsibly”.
However, the council’s licensing officers were concerned that stopping the sale of alcohol so soon before the game would encourage people to drink too rapidly.
As customers have 15 minutes drinking up time, officers felt that could run into the start of the match so asked that the cut-off point of 45 minutes before kick-off remain in place.
The club was applying for the change to be made for Falkirk’s forthcoming games against Dundee and Kilmarnock.
Members agreed to compromise by allowing drinks to be sold up to 30 minutes before the game.