Andy Burnham wants to end 41-year drinking ban inside football stadiums in bombshell update
Andy Burnham is pushing to lift the ban on fans being allowed to drink alcohol during men's football matches after branding the rule as "discrimination".
Back in 1985, Margaret Thatcher banned drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch in the top five tiers of men's football.
At the time, then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan said that alcohol was a "major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour" in football grounds. Four decades on, the Football Supporters Association (FSA) believes the "outdated" legislation should be reviewed, and Andy Burnham agrees.
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Andy Burnham wants alcohol ban lifted at men's football matches
Away from leading the Labour Party and carrying out his duties as Prime Minister, Burnham is an avid football fan and supporter of Everton.
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Shortly before he became Prime Minister, the 56-year-old criticised the restriction on football fans drinking inside the stadium after attending a rugby league game at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, where it was possible for supporters to have a drink in the stands.
Currently, a football supporter can buy alcohol inside the ground – but must leave the “view of the pitch” to drink it.
The same restriction does not apply to fans at rugby league or cricket matches.
When asked if his opinion on the matter had changed since moving to Downing Street during a trip to the United Nations in New York, Burnham shared a verdict that thousands will get behind.
"I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different," Burnham admitted.
"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."
BBC News reports that 'a trial' or 'pilot scheme' to look at whether a change would be possible is not being ruled out by government sources.
A change has already been successfully actioned in women's football. In July, the top two tiers of women’s football – the WSL and WSL2 – confirmed they will allow supporters to drink in the stands at matches after an 18-month trial which began in January 2025.
The UK Football Policing Unit welcomes meeting with Andy Burnham
When asked for their opinion, a UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesperson pointed out that alcohol plays a 'significant part' in violent and disorderly behaviour, but they would 'welcome' a meeting with the Prime Minister to explain any potential 'changes'.
"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," a statement read.
“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.”
Topics: Football News
Thomas Griffin