Burnham calls football stadium alcohol ban 'discrimination' for fans

Andy Burnham has placed one of English football's longest-standing rules under fresh scrutiny: the ban on drinking alcohol in the stands during men's matches, in force since 1985. The prime minister has branded the restriction "discrimination" and said it is unfair to single out football supporters when fans of other sports can consume alcoholic drinks while watching the action.

• Burnham argues football fans should not be treated differently from supporters of other sports.
• The law was introduced in 1985 by Margaret Thatcher's government to tackle stadium violence.
• The Football Supporters' Association wants the outdated legislation to be reviewed.
• Police chiefs warn that relaxing the rule would create security challenges at matches.
• A pilot scheme is not ruled out, but no formal reform process is currently underway.

Why Burnham calls the football alcohol law discriminatory

Speaking to reporters during his trip to the United Nations in New York, the prime minister was asked whether he still held the view he had expressed before entering Downing Street. Burnham, a season-ticket holder at Everton, said the legislation belongs to an era when football was very different. He argued that there are several ways a change could be handled, including through a controlled trial. "I'm not going to back away from what's been a long held view of mine," he said.

The Labour leader added that he does not see how it can be fair for supporters of one sport to be treated differently from others. Shortly before becoming prime minister, he had criticised the restriction while attending a rugby league game at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, where drinking in the stands was permitted.

What the 1985 law says and which competitions it covers

The legislation prevents drinking within sight of the pitch at grounds in the top five tiers of men's football in England and Wales. It was brought in by Margaret Thatcher's government at a time of serious disorder in British stadiums. The then home secretary, Leon Brittan, justified the measure by saying alcohol was a major factor in the violent and disorderly behaviour seen in football grounds.

The restriction does not apply in the same way to other events. Fans attending rugby matches or concerts at the same venues can drink at their seats without breaking any rules, a contrast that strengthens the argument of those calling for the law to be reviewed.

Police warn of safety risks if the ban is lifted

The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has responded firmly to the prime minister's comments. A spokesman warned that changing the law would pose challenges for policing and for the safety of staff and fans at football games. According to the unit, other sports simply do not see the violence and criminal behaviour from supporters that football does, even if it comes from a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant role in those incidents.

It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games.

The spokesman added that it would be incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners with expertise in the area. Police chiefs have indicated they would like to meet the prime minister to explain the challenges directly.

What the Football Supporters' Association is calling for

The FSA, the main fans' organisation in English football, has welcomed Burnham's stance. Chairman Tom Greatrex said it is unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching a match, especially when they can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol during an Oasis gig or a rugby league game. Greatrex added that many clubs are in favour of change and insisted the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed.

An independent fan-led review of football governance published in 2021 already called for the law to be re-examined. The FSA argues that a restriction introduced four decades ago no longer reflects the reality of modern stadiums.

The Women's Super League precedent and the situation in Scotland

The rules have already been relaxed in some areas. This season, all Women's Super League clubs are allowed to offer alcohol to supporters in the stands after two campaigns of successful trials. That experience shows a different model from the men's game is possible.

In Scotland the legislation is even stricter: the general sale of alcohol has been banned in Scottish football stadiums since 1981. However, trial sales have been taking place recently and fans can now buy alcoholic drinks at Hampden Park, home of the national team, during certain matches.

How much room does the government have to change the rule?

Government sources have made clear that Burnham was restating a long-held personal opinion rather than announcing a specific policy. Inside the government, his comments are not being seen as a sign that he is preparing to change the law immediately. A pilot scheme to assess whether a change would work has not been ruled out, but any wider move would require extensive consultation with clubs, fans and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, a process that is not currently planned.