Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly condemned a proposal by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to allow football fans to consume alcohol within view of the pitch during matches. Starmer's office stated that the ban, in place for 40 years, is sensible and aligns with the advice of police chiefs.
The debate was initiated by Burnham, who is expected to assume a leadership role in two weeks, on the eve of England's latest World Cup match. Legislation dating back to 1985 prohibits the consumption of alcohol within view of the pitch at most professional men's football games in England, a measure implemented to curb hooliganism.
Burnham raised the issue in a social media video from a rugby league match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which also hosts Everton FC home games. In the video, Burnham questioned why fans at rugby matches could drink alcohol in their seats while such a practice is not permitted at Everton home games.
Burnham, an Everton supporter, has previously been associated with a faction within the Labour Party known as the 'Demon Eyes' team. Both he and Starmer, an Arsenal fan, reportedly watched England's recent victory over Mexico.
Labour MP Luke Charters, an ally of Burnham, has previously advocated for trials to lift these restrictions, arguing for a more modern approach to the game and noting that fans in Germany and Italy can drink alcohol while watching matches. He suggested that family zones should remain alcohol-free.
Trials permitting alcohol consumption within view of the pitch have been conducted in the women's game, which is not subject to the same ban. A fan-led review of football governance in 2021 also recommended a re-examination of the existing law.