Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that the long-standing prohibition on consuming alcohol in football stands could be reviewed, arguing that the current rules unfairly single out football supporters while fans of rugby and cricket are permitted to drink in their seats. The Prime Minister, an avid Everton supporter, described the legislation as outdated and suggested that a formal review of the restriction is warranted.
Prime Minister's comments on the ban
During a recent interview, Mr Burnham was questioned about his previous criticism of the ban, which he voiced before becoming Prime Minister. Asked whether he would scrap the measure, he 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.
"But I'm not going to back away from what's been a long held view of mine. I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently."
Mr Burnham, a Toffees fan, previously highlighted the inconsistency by noting that he could enjoy a drink while watching rugby league at the club's Hill Dickinson Stadium but not during a football match. In a social media clip, holding a pint, he said: "How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can't do that at an Everton home game? There's something wrong there, we need to take a look at that."
Background and current rules
The ban on drinking in view of the pitch was introduced in England and Wales in 1985 under Margaret Thatcher's government, as part of efforts to curb widespread football hooliganism. The restriction remains in force from 15 minutes before kick-off until 15 minutes after full-time. Currently, supporters are allowed to purchase and consume alcohol in concourse areas, but critics argue this system encourages pre-match binge drinking and forces fans to consume drinks rapidly during the half-time interval.
Support from fan groups and politicians
Tom Greatrex, chair of the Football Supporters' Association (FSA), welcomed the Prime Minister's remarks. He said: "The FSA has always argued that it's unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match - especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league.
"Many clubs are in favour as well. WSL and WSL2 ran a successful pilot, meaning fans can now drink in the stands at many grounds, while the EFL has long supported a trial. We welcome the prime minister's comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed."
A fan-led review of football governance in 2021 suggested piloting alcohol sales on terraces in League Two and National League games to help lower league clubs increase their revenue. Pilots have been carried out in the women's game but not for men's matches.
Ex-Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, who led that review, told The Mirror: "Running a pilot on permitting alcohol in the stands was a key recommendation of the fan led review and this will be welcome news for clubs lower down the pyramid, where every penny of income helps with financial stability."
York Outer MP Luke Charters also expressed support, telling The Mirror: "I absolutely welcome the comments the PM's made on this, he's totally spot on."
Police opposition and safety concerns
However, police chiefs have warned that relaxing the law could fuel disorder. Mark Roberts, the head of UK Football Policing, previously stated that there was a "clear correlation in and around football between alcohol and poor behaviour." Earlier this year, he also warned that the relaxation of licensing laws in England for the World Cup contributed to a disturbing rise in violence.
A UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesperson said: "The UKFPU would welcome a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss his views and explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of staff and fans at football games.
"Other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour. It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games.
"Following a number of football-related tragedies, changes in legislation were implemented after the Taylor Report for good reason and we are currently in the longest ever period without a significant football related disaster. It would be incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners who have the expertise in this area."
