Let football fans drink in stands as Prime Minister backs Everton's Andy Burnham

Let football fans have a pint – the Prime Minister’s call to scrap the 1985 ban on alcohol in the stands has reignited debate across the United Kingdom. Everton season‑ticket holder Andy Burnham, speaking after a United Nations press conference, urged lawmakers to let supporters enjoy a drink while watching the match.

Legacy of the 1985 ban

The prohibition on alcohol in the stands was introduced in 1985 by the government of Margaret Thatcher. Then‑Home Secretary Leon Brittan argued that drink was a major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour at football grounds. The rule applies to clubs in the top five tiers of men’s Football in England.

Andy Burnham, a season‑ticket holder at Everton, has branded the ban as discrimination. He told reporters at a United Nations briefing, “I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different,” and added, “And I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination.” Burnham recalled attending a rugby league match at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, where fans were allowed to drink in the stands, and said the contrast reinforced his view. Fans will prove him right, he believes.

The Prime Minister, a lifelong Football fan, welcomed Burnham’s call and said it is unfair for football fans to be singled out. He noted that spectators at cricket matches can enjoy a drink in their seats and argued that times have changed. The government’s stance signals a willingness to review the outdated legislation.

Challenges and policing concerns

Police chiefs have warned that relaxing the rule could pose challenges to safety and policing at matches. A spokesman for the UK Football Policing Unit warned, “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,” and added that “It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games.” The Football Supporters’ Association’s chairman Tom Greatrex said, “It is 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.”

An independent review by Tracey Crouch in 2021 estimated that League Two and National League clubs lose up to £100,000 per year in sales because of the ban. A fan‑led review the same year also called for the law to be re‑examined. The economic case adds weight to calls for change across all levels of the game.

Economic and regional shifts

This season the Women’s Super League has been allowed to serve alcohol in the stands after two successful trial seasons, showing a precedent for change. In Scotland a stricter ban has been in place since 1981, but recent trial sales at Hampden Park indicate a possible softening. The reintroduction of safe standing has similarly demonstrated that long‑standing regulations can be updated.

If supporters are treated as adults, officials argue binge‑drinking culture could be eased and fans will prove the experiment works. Moving beyond the hooliganism of the 1980s would mark a cultural shift, allowing football fans to enjoy a pint in sight of the pitch.