The decades-long prohibition on football supporters drinking alcohol in the stands could be scrapped, Andy Burnham has indicated.
The Everton-supporting Prime Minister argued it was unjust that fans are unable to enjoy a pint in the stands during matches, unlike their counterparts at rugby league or cricket. He suggested that outdated legislation meant football supporters were “singled out” and that there was a strong argument for reviewing the existing rules.
As things currently stand Hull FC supporters are allowed to take drinks into the stands with them to enjoy while watching Super League games, but during a Hull City match supporters in the same seats are unable to do the same.
Any attempt to abolish the ban is likely to face fierce resistance from police, who have maintained that drinking on terraces contributes to disorder.
Consuming alcohol within sight of the pitch has been prohibited in England and Wales since 1985, under legislation introduced by Margaret Thatcher to tackle football hooliganism at a time when matchday violence was rife. The current regulations apply within 15 minutes of kick-off and the final whistle.
Under existing rules, supporters are still permitted to drink in the concourse areas. However, critics argue this can lead to binge drinking before matches or fans rushing to finish their drinks during the half-time interval, reports the Mirror.
Mr Burnham was questioned about his earlier criticism of the ban prior to becoming Prime Minister. When asked whether he would abolish it, he said: “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point.
“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, perhaps 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.”
Toffees supporter and Leigh Leopards fan Mr Burnham had previously voiced his opposition to the disparity that allowed him to enjoy a drink while watching rugby league at the club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, but not during football matches.
In a widely-shared social media clip, filmed while holding a pint, he said: “How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at an Everton home game? There’s something wrong there, we need to take a look at that.”
Tom Greatrex, chair of the Football Supporters’ Association, said: “The FSA has always argued that 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.
“Many clubs are in favour as well. WSL and WSL2 ran a successful pilot, meaning fans can now drink in the stands at many grounds, while the EFL has long supported a trial. We welcome the prime minister’s comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed.”
A fan-led review of football governance in 2021 recommended trialling alcohol sales on terraces at League Two and National League fixtures to provide lower league clubs with a much-needed financial boost. While pilots have been conducted in the women’s game, no such trials have yet taken place in men’s football.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, who spearheaded the review, told the Mirror: “Running a pilot on permitting alcohol in the stands was a key recommendation of the fan led review and this will be welcome news for clubs lower down the pyramid, where every penny of income helps with financial stability.”
York Outer MP Luke Charters told the Mirror: “I absolutely welcome the comments the PM’s made on this, he’s totally spot on.”
However, senior police officers have cautioned that easing the legislation could spark disorder. Mark Roberts, the head of UK Football Policing, previously stated there was a “clear correlation in and around football between alcohol and poor behaviour.”
Earlier this year he also cautioned that the loosening of licensing regulations in England during the World Cup contributed to a worrying surge in violent incidents.
A UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesperson said: “The UKFPU would welcome a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss his views and explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of staff and fans at football games.
“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.
“Following a number of football-related tragedies, changes in legislation were implemented after the Taylor Report for good reason and 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.”