UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reopened the argument over whether supporters should be allowed to drink alcohol while watching matches from their seats at football matches in England.
The BBC said the prime minister branded a ban on fans being allowed to drink alcohol in the stands during men’s football matches as “discrimination”.
He told reporters on a trip to New York, “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out”, as he suggested a change could be trialled.
Burnham is a keen football fan and a season-ticket holder at Premier League team Everton.
And he described the current restrictions as unfair and argued that football supporters are singled out when spectators at sports such as rugby and cricket can drink while watching matches.
He said: “I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different.
And I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination. There are different ways it could be done. It could happen on a trial basis.
“But I’m not going to back away from what’s been a long-held view of mine. I don’t see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently.”
The law dates from the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985, introduced against the backdrop of football hooliganism.
It prohibits drinking alcohol within sight of the pitch at designated football matches in England and Wales, covering the top five tiers of the men’s game.
The legislation was introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government for English and Welsh football grounds. At the time, then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan said that alcohol was a “major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour” in football grounds.
Move to relax restrictions
There is already some evidence that the restrictions could be relaxed. Since the start of this season, supporters at Women’s Super League and WSL2 matches have been permitted to drink in view of the pitch, following an 18-month trial.
Some 25 of the 26 clubs have opted to allow it at home games.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) and English Football League have welcomed Burnham’s comments, arguing that the legislation has failed to keep pace with modern stadium management, stewarding and fan behaviour.
The FSA has also stressed that clubs should retain discretion over where alcohol is permitted, with family areas and particular stands potentially treated differently.
Police organisations, however, have urged caution, arguing that changing the law without examining the potential impact on safety would be premature.
The prime minister’s comments are not being seen inside government as an indication that he is looking to change the law in the area.
A trial or pilot scheme to look at whether a change would be possible is not being ruled out but any wider move would require extensive consultation involving football clubs, fans and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – none of which is currently planned.
A UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesman warned that changes to the law would pose “challenges” to policing and the “safety of staff and fans at football games”.
He said: “Other sports simply don’t see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour.
“It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games.”
He added, “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.”
FSA chairman Tom Greatrex said, “It’s unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match – especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league.”
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