UK Prime Minister Calls Football Alcohol Ban 'Discrimination'
Andy Burnham argues that restrictions on drinking in stadium stands unfairly single out football fans compared to other sports.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described the long-standing ban on alcohol consumption in the stands during men's football matches as "discrimination," suggesting the rule, in place since 1985, should be reviewed.
Burnham, a season-ticket holder for Everton, stated that he does not believe it is "fair for football fans to be singled out," noting that supporters of other sports, such as rugby league, can consume alcohol while watching their games. "I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently," he told reporters.
The current legislation prohibits drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at stadiums for clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England. This law was introduced by Margaret Thatcher's government in 1985, with then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan citing alcohol as a "major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour" at football grounds at the time.
Burnham indicated that a trial or pilot scheme to explore the possibility of changing the law is not being ruled out by government sources. However, any broader changes would necessitate extensive consultations with football clubs, fans, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, none of which are currently planned.
The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) has echoed Burnham's sentiment, calling the legislation "outdated" and arguing for its review. FSA chairman Tom Greatrex stated it is "unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match." The FSA also noted that "many clubs" are in favor of a change.
A fan-led review of football governance in 2021 also recommended that the law be re-examined. In a partial relaxation of the rules, all Women's Super League (WSL) clubs were permitted to offer alcohol to supporters in the stands this season, following successful trials.
Conversely, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has warned that relaxing the law would present "challenges" to policing and the "safety of staff and fans at football games." A spokesperson cautioned that other sports do not typically experience the same level of violence and criminal behavior from a minority of supporters, where alcohol often plays a significant role. The unit emphasized that it would be "incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners."