Burnham signals review of football alcohol ban

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that the longstanding ban on football supporters drinking alcohol in view of the pitch could be reviewed, arguing that the restrictions are outdated and unfairly single out football fans.

The consumption of alcohol in sight of the pitch has been prohibited in the top five tiers of men’s football in England and Wales since the introduction of the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985, legislation brought in during a period when concerns about football-related disorder and hooliganism were at their peak.

Speaking to reporters during a trip to New York, Burnham said there was a case for revisiting the rules and suggested that a trial could be considered. He argued that football supporters are treated differently from fans attending other sporting events, including rugby, cricket and Formula One, where alcohol can typically be consumed in the stands.

“I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way,” Burnham said, describing the legislation as a product of “an era where football was very different”. He added that there may be scope to explore changes through a pilot scheme.

The comments have been welcomed by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), which has long campaigned for the rules to be reviewed. The organisation said it was unfair that fans could drink in the same seats at concerts or other sporting fixtures but face restrictions at football matches. The FSA also pointed to successful trials in the women’s game, where supporters have been allowed to consume alcohol in the stands at many grounds.

The English Football League (EFL) has previously supported pilot schemes examining the impact of relaxing the restrictions, while a 2021 fan-led review of football governance recommended that the ban be re-examined.

However, Burnham’s proposal has prompted warnings from policing bodies. The UK Football Policing Unit said it would be “incredibly rash” to make fundamental changes without fully considering the evidence, arguing that alcohol remains a contributing factor in some incidents of football-related violence and disorder.

Senior ministers have also adopted a cautious tone. Education Secretary Lucy Powell said any discussion about changing the rules should involve supporters and football authorities to ensure that the positive changes seen in stadium safety and behaviour over recent decades are not undermined.