Andy Burnham signals potential end to alcohol ban in football stands

Key facts

• Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated a potential lifting of the ban on alcohol in football stands.
• Burnham believes the ban is discriminatory and outdated, dating back to an era of greater football violence.
• The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales.
• The Football Supporters' Association supports reviewing the ban, citing fairness compared to other sports.
• The UK Football Policing Unit expressed concerns about safety and potential increases in violence.
• Supporters at Women's Super League matches have been permitted to drink alcohol in view of the pitch since the start of the season.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated a potential shift in policy regarding the consumption of alcohol in football stands, suggesting the current ban is unfair and outdated. Burnham, a known football fan, believes that singling out football supporters is discriminatory when alcohol is permitted at other sporting events like rugby and cricket. He suggested that there could be a case for trialing an end to the ban.

The current prohibition on drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch in England and Wales is governed by the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985. A fan-led review in 2021 had previously called for a re-examination of this ban, proposing pilot programs in lower-tier leagues.

However, the proposal has met with caution from law enforcement. A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit stated that it would be 'incredibly rash' to alter the regulations without thorough consideration of the impact on safety, noting that alcohol often contributes to violent behavior among a minority of football fans. They highlighted that current legislation was implemented after significant football-related tragedies, leading to the longest period without a major disaster.

Fan groups, such as the Football Supporters' Association, have welcomed Burnham's comments, arguing that the law is discriminatory and out of step with modern stadium management. The English Football League also expressed receptiveness to a review of the legislation.

Notably, supporters at Women's Super League and WSL2 matches have been allowed to drink alcohol in view of the pitch since the start of the current season, following a successful trial period.