Burnham Calls Football Alcohol Ban Discriminatory
The PM urges a review of the 1985 law, citing unfair treatment compared to other sports.
Key points
- PM Burnham calls the 1985 alcohol ban discriminatory and suggests a trial.
- Police warn that alcohol is linked to violence and oppose rapid changes.
- Women's Super League clubs have already been allowed to sell alcohol since trials.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the ban on alcohol in football stands discriminatory. He spoke from New York during a United Nations trip. The law has blocked fans from drinking in view of the pitch since 1985. This rule applies to men's football in the top five tiers of English clubs.
Burnham argued that singling out football fans is unfair. He noted that supporters at rugby league games can drink in the stands. He suggested a trial basis for changing the rules. He refused to back away from his long-held view on the matter.
Police warn against rapid change
The UK Football Policing Unit warned that relaxing the law poses safety challenges. A spokesman said alcohol often plays a significant part in violent behavior. They called it incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without full examination. Police chiefs want to meet the PM to explain these difficulties.
Government sources have not ruled out a pilot scheme. However, no extensive consultation is currently planned. Any wider move would require input from clubs, fans, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The legislation was introduced by Margaret Thatcher's government in 1985.
Supporters and women's league shift
Tom Greatrex, chairman of the Football Supporters' Association, welcomed the PM's comments. He described the legislation as outdated and unfair. He noted that fans can drink at Oasis gigs or rugby league matches. Many clubs support a review of the current restrictions.
The Women's Super League has already relaxed its rules. All WSL clubs can now offer alcohol in the stands. This follows two successful seasons of trials. In Scotland, trial sales are also taking place, allowing fans to buy drinks at Hampden Park.
A long history of restriction
Leon Brittan, then-Home Secretary, introduced the ban in 1985. He stated that alcohol was a major contributory factor in disorder. Burnham, a season-ticket holder at Everton, criticized the rule before becoming PM. He attended a rugby league game at Hill Dickinson Stadium where drinking was allowed.
A fan-led review in 2021 called for the law to be re-examined. Burnham believes the legislation dates to an era where football was different. He sees no fairness in treating supporters of one sport differently. BBC Sport reports that the debate continues over the next steps.
