Britain24 September, 20262 min read
Andy Burnham Signals He May Lift Alcohol Ban In Football Stands In England And Wales
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Burnham signals may lift the alcohol-in-stands ban in men's football. He argues the ban is discriminatory and outdated, aligning with rugby and cricket practice.
6 outlets told this the same way.
Burnham signals possible trial
Prime Minister Andy Burnham signalled he may lift the ban on drinking alcohol in the stands at football matches, calling it “unfair” for fans to be singled out when it is permitted for other sports. Burnham told reporters on the plane to New York that “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point.” Burnham argued that “legislation dates to an era where football was very different” and said he believes “there is a case to remove that discrimination,” while suggesting “There are different ways it could be done, perhaps on a trial basis.”
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales, and the ban applies to the top five tiers of English men’s football in England. The Football Supporters’ Association and the English Football League welcomed Burnham’s comments, while the UK Football Policing Unit warned it would be “incredibly rash” to make changes without considering their impact on safety.
Police warn of safety risks
The UK Football Policing Unit said it would “welcome a meeting with the prime minister” to discuss his views and explain the challenges the proposed changes would bring to policing and the “safety of staff and fans at football games.” The UK Football Policing Unit also warned that “It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games.” Police chiefs warned against relaxing the law and would like to meet the PM to “explain the challenges”.
Government sources stressed Burnham was restating an opinion he had long held, rather than making any sort of policy announcement. The BBC added that government sources stressed Burnham was restating an opinion he had long held, rather than making any sort of policy announcement.
Women’s rules and next steps
Women’s Super League and WSL2 matches have permitted alcohol in view of the pitch since the start of this season after an 18-month trial period led to a change to the WSL’s regulations this summer.
25 of the 26 clubs across the two divisions of English women’s football decided to take up the option at all of their home games, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s home matches at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium as the only exception.
The rules have been relaxed this season with all Women’s Super League clubs allowed to offer alcohol to supporters in the stands following two seasons of successful trials.
Burnham suggested trialling an end to the ban to bring football in line with rugby and cricket, and the fan-led review of football governance in 2021 called for the ban to be re-examined.
Burnham suggested he would be open to changing the ban on supporters watching men’s football in stadiums, and he quoted him saying “There are different ways it could be done. It could happen on a trial basis.”