The match day bar at Falkirk Stadium has changed its licensed hours due to the possibility of promotion to the Premier League for Falkirk FC.
In the event that Falkirk advances from the Championship, the Behind the Goals bar in the Kevin McAllister Stand (south stand) will require more accommodating hours in order to host more televised games with different kickoff times.
Yesterday (Wednesday), Agent Gordon Emslie informed the licensing board of Falkirk Council that the venue will have “more flexibility” as a result of the license modifications.
Behind the Goals also asked for permission to have a ‘pop-up bar’ to sell bottled beer only, to help deal with queues during busy spells or large events.
Mr Emslie said that extending the operating hours would not only allow the venue to grow match day revenues but would also allow it to build its offer as a stand-alone venue, available for hire.
He said: “The application is to look at future-proofing the licence and to build on the current success of the football team.
“Should the club continue to have its current success until the end of the season and gain promotion, televised fixtures will be part and parcel of next season.
“If they were to be promoted, that opens far greater opportunities and, unfortunately, football clubs don’t control kick-off times when it comes to TV.”
Mr Emslie told councillors that the venue is “well managed by Helen and her team and a great example of a licenced premises that gives Police Scotland and council officers no operational issues at all”.
The licensing standards officers for Falkirk Council concurred that they did not foresee any issues with the new bar.
The board decided to approve the new operating hours, which are 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday through Thursday.
The use of the pop-up bar was also approved by the members.
“It’s good to be thinking ahead and planning for the future,” stated board convener Provost Robert Bissett.
“Falkirk Football Club is doing really well at the minute and I really do hope they get promoted.”
The board unanimously granted the application.
