The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has indicated that the longstanding ban on drinking alcohol in football stands may be reconsidered, describing the current rules as unfair and outdated.
Burnham highlighted the contrast between football and other sports, noting that while cricket and rugby fans are permitted to drink in their seats, football supporters remain prohibited under legislation originating from 1985. This law, introduced during Margaret Thatcher’s government to combat widespread football hooliganism, forbids alcohol consumption in view of the pitch from 15 minutes before kick-off until 15 minutes after full-time.
Currently, fans can purchase and consume alcohol within concourse areas, but critics claim this arrangement encourages pre-match binge drinking and forces quick consumption during half-time due to the ban in the stands.
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When questioned about his past stance on the ban, Burnham said, “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point. I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different. And I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination. There are different ways it could be done, perhaps on a trial basis.”
Burnham, a supporter of Everton Football Club, has previously expressed frustration over this inconsistency, noting in a social media post that he could enjoy a drink at his seat during a rugby league game but not during an Everton match.
Tom Greatrex, chair of the Football Supporters’ Association, welcomed the Prime Minister’s comments, emphasising that many clubs support trials allowing alcohol in stands. He pointed out that the Women’s Super League has already run successful pilots permitting alcohol consumption in stands, and the English Football League has shown interest in similar trials.
A 2021 fan-led review of football governance recommended piloting alcohol sales on terraces in lower leagues to help clubs generate additional income. While trials have been carried out in women’s football, no such experiments have yet taken place in men’s matches.
However, the suggestion has met resistance from police forces. Mark Roberts, head of UK Football Policing, has cautioned that alcohol is closely linked to poor behaviour in football settings. He underscored concerns that relaxing the ban could lead to increased disorder, citing recent rises in violence associated with relaxed licensing laws during the World Cup.
A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit called for a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss these concerns, warning that changes could jeopardise the safety of staff and fans. They stressed that football has a unique history of alcohol-related violence compared with other sports and that legal safeguards implemented after the Taylor Report have contributed to the longest period without significant football-related disasters.
The police urged that any fundamental changes be approached with caution, following thorough examination of evidence and meaningful consultation with experts in football policing.