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Burnham Calls Football Stadium Alcohol Ban 'Discrimination'

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PM Andy Burnham says the 1985 ban on drinking in view of the pitch at men's football matches is unfair and could be scrapped on a trial basis.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described the ban on football fans drinking alcohol in view of the pitch during men's matches as "discrimination", and suggested a change could be tested on a trial basis. Speaking to reporters during a trip to the United Nations in New York, Burnham said football supporters were being unfairly singled out.

The law he criticised dates from 1985, when Margaret Thatcher's government introduced it for football grounds in England and Wales. It prevents supporters from drinking within sight of the pitch at clubs in the top five tiers of the men's game in England. Other sports face no equivalent restriction.

"I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different," Burnham said. "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." He added: "I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently."

When the legislation was brought in, the then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan said alcohol was a "major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour" at football grounds.

Burnham is a keen football fan and holds a season ticket at Premier League club Everton. Before entering Downing Street, he raised the same objection after attending a rugby league game at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, where fans were able to drink in the stands. Asked in New York whether he still held that view as prime minister, he said he would not "back away from what's been a long held view of mine".

Government sources played down the remarks, stressing that Burnham was repeating a long-standing personal opinion rather than announcing policy. Inside government, the comments are not seen as a signal that ministers plan to change the law. A trial or pilot scheme has not been ruled out, but any wider move would need extensive consultation involving football clubs, fans and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. None of that is currently planned.

Police warn against relaxing the rules

Police chiefs have cautioned against loosening the restrictions and want to meet the prime minister to set out their concerns. A spokesman for the UK Football Policing Unit warned that changes would pose "challenges" to policing and to 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," the spokesman said. "It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games." He added that 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".

Supporters' group backs a review

The Football Supporters' Association welcomed Burnham's comments and called the legislation "outdated", saying it should be reviewed. Chairman Tom Greatrex said it was "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".

Greatrex said "many clubs" supported a change and welcomed the prime minister's intervention. For now, however, the 40-year-old ban remains in force, with no formal proposal on the table to alter it.

Andy Burnham, football alcohol ban, 1985 football law, Football Supporters' Association, UK Football Policing Unit, Premier League, stadium drinking rules

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