Andy Burnham argues the football alcohol ban is unfair as he eyes a trial
While England’s 1985 legislation still bars fans from drinking in sight of the pitch, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has hinted he may lift the rule, arguing it unfairly singles out football supporters when rugby and cricket fans can enjoy a pint.
Current law and its origins
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 prohibits alcohol consumption in view of the pitch in England and Wales. Burnham has long described the ban as discriminatory and a relic of an era when football violence was fuelled by drinking.
He told reporters on a flight to New York, “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way… the legislation dates to an era where football was very different.” He added that a trial could be considered but he would not back away from his long‑held view.
Support and opposition
The Football Supporters’ Association and the English Football League welcomed Burnham’s comments, with the EFL saying it would be “receptive” to a review of a rule introduced more than 40 years ago.
Conversely, a spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit warned that changing the law without thorough evidence would be “incredibly rash”, citing the link between alcohol and the minority of violent incidents at football matches.
Recent precedents and the wider debate
Women’s Super League and WSL2 matches have already allowed alcohol in view of the pitch after an 18‑month trial, with 25 of the 26 clubs opting in. The only exception, Brighton & Hove Albion, permits drinking when playing at the Amex Stadium.
Burnham was photographed with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Everton’s stadium last week – a “View image in fullscreen” shot that accompanied a Guardian story preferred on Google. The image, captioned “Soccer Andy Burnham signals he may lift ban on alcohol in football stands”, underscores the political and sporting dimensions of the debate.
Police stress that football remains unique in its potential for crowd disorder, and the UKFPU would welcome a meeting with the prime minister to discuss safety implications before any legislative change.