Rugby fans have been urged by justice secretary Kenny MacAskill to "show they can be trusted" and drink responsibly at this weekend's opening Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.
The ban on alcohol at senior mens international rugby matches was lifted last summer.
And with fans expected to consume an estimated 500,000 pints of lager and 300,000 units of spirits at pubs and bars during every Six Nations weekend, Mr MacAskill urged supporters not to overdo it during Sunday's Scotland versus France game.
He also warned that the drink ban could be back in place if alcohol led to trouble at the ground.
Mr MacAskill said: "When I took the decision last year to allow alcohol to be sold for international matches at Murrayfield, I made clear that this wasn't about granting rugby fans a licence to get drunk.
"It was, and still is, about being able to enjoy a pint during the match but doing so responsibly."
He added: "I know Scottish Rugby have limits and other measures in place to help make sure fans are drinking responsibly and I would urge all those attending to make sure they do so.
"It's not the drink that's the problem, it's how we're drinking it and I expect the fans to show they can be trusted.
"If they don't I'll have no hesitation in reinstating the ban - especially if there are problems with alcohol retailing or public safety."
Mr MacAskill announced the lifting of the ban on alcohol for senior mens international matches in June.
In return for that Scottish Rugby agreed to promote responsible drinking and invest profits from the sale of alcohol into grassroots rugby projects.
The sale of alcohol was banned at stadiums across the country in the aftermath of the 1980 Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers, which saw rival fans battling on the field and police on horseback attempting to defuse the trouble.
It was largely attributed to the volume of alcohol consumed by spectators at the match.
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