The SRU wants the alcohol ban lifted

The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) said it believed the ban contributed to Murrayfield missing out on hosting next year's Powergen Rugby League Challenge Cup Final.

Instead the final will be staged at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

SRU director of marketing Phil Anderton said the ban is having an adverse effect on Scotland's economy.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds are lost to the game of rugby in Scotland for every season that the ban remains in place SRU chief executive Bill Watson

He said: "This is a loss not just to Scottish rugby at all levels, on which all our income is spent, but to the economy of Scotland.

"Murrayfield attracts international teams who bring many thousands of supporters from around the world, unquestionably helping to boost Scotland's international profile.

"Unlike every other international rugby stadium in the world, we are not permitted to hold a liquor licence for the stadium to cater for international events and, until Scotland can compete on 'a level playing field', this will undermine the Scottish Executives' major events strategy."

Mr Anderton acknowledged that there were possible safety issues arising from a licence being granted.

'Binge drinking'

But he added: "By disallowing supporters to have a pint of beer whilst watching the match, the message is that we cannot trust supporters from around the world, who can drink at their home ground, to have a drink when attending a Scotland rugby game.

"It can also encourage binge drinking in pubs before a game and severe congestion at turnstiles as people turn up at the very last minute before kick-off because they have been drinking elsewhere."

SRU chief executive Bill Watson said the loss of an event such as the Challenge Cup final costs Scotland almost �20m per game.

He said: "Hundreds of thousands of pounds are lost to the game of rugby in Scotland for every season that the ban remains in place as well as potentially millions to the Scottish economy.

Violence curb

"We hope that following today's briefing, the MSPs attending will look favourably on our plea."

Brian Monteith, Tory MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, said the SRU was right to contest the ban.

He said: "This ban needs to be lifted as part of a liberalisation of our outdated licensing system."

Alcohol was banned at Scottish sporting grounds after violence flared at the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

Mr Monteith added: "The ban has served its purpose, and sent a message that violence is unacceptable."