Burnham pushes to lift alcohol ban in football stands
Manchester City mayor Andy Burnham has urged the government to scrap the ban on alcohol in football stadium stands, saying it unfairly singles out football fans. While supporters and the English Football League welcome a review, police warn that changing the law could jeopardise safety. The debate…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Manchester City mayor Andy Burnham has publicly called for the ban on alcohol in the stands at football matches to be removed, arguing that the rule unfairly targets football fans while other sports are allowed to drink in the same seats. The call comes after the Prime Minister, a lifelong Everton supporter, echoed Burnham’s sentiment that the legislation is outdated and should be re‑examined.
What Burnham is proposing
Burnham said the ban, which is part of the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985, was introduced in the 1980s when football hooliganism was a major concern. He described the law as discriminatory, pointing out that fans of rugby, cricket and even pop concerts can hold a pint while watching their teams or performers. “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way,” he told reporters, adding that the legislation dates back to an era when the sport was very different.
Burnham suggested that any change should start with a trial, but he made clear that he would not back away from his long‑held view that the ban should be lifted. The mayor’s comments were welcomed by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) and the English Football League (EFL), both of whom have called for a review of the 1985 Act.
Support from fans and clubs
The FSA’s chairman, Tom Greatrex, said the organisation has always argued that criminalising fans for drinking a pint while watching a match is unfair. He noted that fans can sit in the same seat and drink while attending a rugby league game or a music concert. Greatrex welcomed the Prime Minister’s comments and said the FSA would be ready to participate in any consultation process.
Clubs across the country have shown support for the idea. The EFL has long advocated a trial of alcohol in the stands, and many clubs have expressed interest in the possibility. In the women’s game, the Women’s Super League (WSL) and WSL2 completed an 18‑month trial that allowed fans to drink in sight of the pitch. The trial was deemed successful, and the WSL’s regulations were amended this summer to give clubs the option to permit alcohol at home games. Today, 25 of the 26 clubs in the two divisions have opted to allow fans to drink, with the sole exception of Brighton & Hove Albion’s home matches at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium.
Police caution and safety concerns
Police officials have warned that lifting the ban could be “incredibly rash” if implemented without thorough consultation. A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said the organisation would welcome a meeting with Burnham to discuss the challenges that such a change would bring to policing and safety. The spokesperson highlighted that football has a history of violence and disorder linked to alcohol, and that other sports do not experience the same level of criminal behaviour from supporters.
“Following a number of football‑related tragedies, changes in legislation were implemented after the Taylor Report for good reason,” the UKFPU said. “We are currently in the longest ever period without a significant football‑related disaster. It would be incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners who have the expertise in this area.”
Historical context and the 1985 Act
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol in sight of the pitch in England and Wales for the top five tiers of men’s football. The ban was introduced in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster and the subsequent Taylor Report, which recommended stricter controls to improve safety. The law has remained largely unchanged for more than 40 years, despite advances in stadium management, stewarding and crowd control.
In 2021, a fan‑led review of football governance called for the ban to be re‑examined and suggested piloting the sale of alcohol within sight of the pitch in lower‑tier English football. The review was part of a broader push to modernise the sport and address issues of discrimination and inequality.
What’s next?
Burnham has not yet announced a formal policy change, but he has signalled that he will push for a review of the legislation. The Prime Minister’s comments have added political weight to the debate, and the EFL has stated that it would be receptive to a review of the 1985 Act. The next step will likely involve a formal consultation process that brings together fans, clubs, police and government officials to assess the feasibility and safety implications of lifting the ban.
Until a decision is made, the ban remains in force for the top five tiers of men’s football. However, the growing support from fans, clubs and the football community suggests that the debate will continue to intensify in the coming months.
Key facts
- Andy Burnham calls for lifting the alcohol ban in football stands
- FSA and EFL support a review of the 1985 Act
- Police caution against rash changes without consultation
- Women’s football has successfully trialled alcohol in the stands
- The ban was introduced after the Hillsborough disaster and remains unchanged
Why it matters
The debate touches on fairness, safety and the evolution of football culture. A change could reshape the matchday experience, but it also raises important questions about crowd control and public safety.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibit?
It bans the sale and consumption of alcohol in sight of the pitch in England and Wales for the top five tiers of men’s football.
Why are police concerned about lifting the ban?
They worry that increased alcohol consumption could lead to more violence and disorder, citing football’s history of hooliganism.
Has alcohol been allowed in any football stands before?
Yes, women’s football leagues (WSL and WSL2) have allowed alcohol in the stands after a successful 18‑month trial.
What is the next step for the ban review?
A formal consultation process involving fans, clubs, police and government officials is expected to assess feasibility and safety.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk
- [2] theguardian.com
- [3] standard.co.uk
