Alcohol cannot be sold inside the stadium gates

The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has voiced its disappointment at the decision to stage the Powergen Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff next year.

The lack of a licence at Murrayfield was given as one of the reasons for the failure of the Scottish bid to host the event.

The Edinburgh stadium was the venue for the final in 2000 and 2002.

Commercial marketing director Phil Anderton said the SRU had submitted a "very aggressive bid" for next year's event.

"Unfortunately Rugby Football League (RFL) officials informed us that our bid was strong but they have chosen to opt for the Millennium Stadium," he said.

Licensing laws

"They indicated to us that a key reason for their choice is rugby league supporters' preference for the Millennium Stadium and in particular the proximity and availability of alcohol-serving bars both outwith and within the stadium.

"This announcement strengthens our resolve to work alongside the Scottish Executive to endeavour to achieve a relaxation in the licensing laws effecting Murrayfield which holds back our efforts to attract major events and, in turn, has adverse consequences financially on the city of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole."

The SRU said Murrayfield was the only international rugby venue in the world which could not sell alcohol.

Everybody connected with the game was delighted by the way in which the 2003 final was staged by the stadium and the welcome afforded to our fans by the Welsh people Richard Lewis RFL executive chairman

The sale of drink is banned within the stadium gates under legislation covering Scottish sporting grounds.

The SRU originally opted into the legislation, which was primarily aimed at football stadia.

However, it has been working alongside the executive and Edinburgh City Council in an attempt to have the licensing laws relaxed.

The SRU submitted plans to ease the restrictions to a commission on licensing law changes chaired by Sheriff Principal Gordon Nicholson QC.

An executive spokesman said the inquiry's report had not yet been published.

"It is a wide-ranging review looking at liquor licensing in Scotland and possibly could make recommendations about arrangements at sports grounds," he said.

Public's reaction

The Millennium Stadium hosted this year's final between Bradford and Leeds.

RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis said a decision on the 2004 location had been delayed until after that match to gauge the public's reaction.

"Everybody connected with the game was delighted by the way in which the 2003 final was staged by the stadium and the welcome afforded to our fans by the Welsh people," he said.