THIRSTY Swindon Town fans will be able to enjoy a pint in the County Ground's two main stands this season.

Swindon magistrates have granted the club a licence to serve alcohol in both the Arkells and Nationwide stands, albeit with restrictions attached.

Brian Wood, Town's catering manager, said: "It is great news for the club. It means we can sell alcohol on both concourses from 1pm on match days.

"Unfortunately we can't sell any alcohol at half time but we can resume selling five minutes after the game for about 45 minutes."

Mark Devlin, Town's chief executive, hopes supporters will embrace but not abuse the bar facilities.

He said: "I'm sure the fans will appreciate being able to have a drink. I also think it helps on the public order front if we can encourage supporters to get into the ground that little bit earlier.

"But I want to make it clear that alcohol will not be dished out willy-nilly.

"We have a duty to serve alcohol in a responsible fashion.

"If it ever proved to be having a detrimental effect then we would have to look at the situation again.

"Hopefully it will be a popular new feature, with both supporters and the club benefiting from the move."

The news comes just days after the club aptly received a bar from one supporter as a result of its business appeal.

The bars will be open for business for the first time when Town entertain Stockport on August 31.