Industry Backs Potential Burnham Plan to Allow Alcohol Return to Football Terraces
Key Takeaways
- •The ban on consuming alcohol in view of the pitch at English football league matches has been in place since the 1980s under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985.
- •Andy Burnham has indicated he is receptive to reversing the restriction, arguing it is unfair that football fans are treated differently from spectators at other sporting events.
- •The British Beer and Pub Association has called for clubs to be allowed to apply to sell beer in stadiums for consumption in stands under existing licensing regulations.
- •Scotland lifted its similar restriction on drinking in the stands at top-flight football matches in 2007.
- •The government has confirmed it is considering the case for a review but stated that any future changes would need to be evidence-led and informed by policing, safety authorities, and football sector partners.
The drinks and hospitality industry has voiced support for potential government plans to consult on allowing football fans to consume alcohol on the terraces for the first time in over four decades.
Football league supporters were banned from drinking in view of the pitch during the 1980s as part of measures to curb football hooliganism, codified under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985. The legislation came amid a period of significant crowd disorder that plagued the English game. However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham — an Everton season ticket holder — is reportedly receptive to reversing the 41-year-old restriction.
Speaking on Gary Lineker's podcast, Burnham said it was "wrong" that football fans are prohibited from enjoying a beer in the stands while spectators at other sports — including cricket, darts, and rugby — face no such restriction. The ban also does not extend to football in many European countries, nor to Scotland, where restrictions on drinking in the stands at top-flight matches were lifted in 2007.
Industry groups have welcomed the prospect of a review. A spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association said: "A ban has been in place for decades and represents a very different time and set of challenges."
"This ban doesn't apply to other sports or countries," they continued. "Clubs should be able to apply for the chance to sell beer in their stadiums for consumption in the stands, as part of the existing rigorous licensing regime which will have necessary conditions."
"Football fans deserve the same opportunity to enjoy a pint watching their favourite team with friends, just like other sports, so we would welcome a review of the current position."
Current Restrictions and the Women's Game
Under existing rules, fans can drink before and after matches and at half-time, but are not permitted to take alcoholic beverages to their seats. Hospitality suites at many grounds typically have blinds that are closed before players emerge onto the pitch.
Drinking in the stands is set to be permitted in the women's game this year, at the discretion of individual clubs, following a successful trial across several clubs last season.
A government spokesperson told The Sun: "We are considering the case being made by some clubs and supporter groups for reviewing the current restrictions on alcohol consumption at football matches."
"The safety of football fans remains our priority, and any future consideration of changes would need to be evidence-led and informed by the views of policing and safety authorities, as well as clubs, supporters and other partners across the football sector."