Everton supporters are open to allowing alcohol in sight of the pitch, but on fans' terms, according to a survey of 1,142 supporters designed, run and analysed by the Everton Fan Advisory Board (FAB) independently of Everton Football Club.
The FAB launched the survey after Prime Minister Andy Burnham, an Evertonian and season ticket holder, called the 1985 ban on drinking in sight of the pitch in men's football unfair and suggested a possible trial. The aim was to gather fact-based evidence of what Evertonians actually think, and why.
Split but not polarised
The findings were split, but not polarised. Some 54% support change allowing drinking 'pitch facing' and 44% lean against (2% unsure). However, very few hold absolute positions: only 8% want change with no safeguards, and only 20% reject it outright without engaging with any safeguard.
The other 72% attach conditions, want a pilot, or engage with how change could work. Concerns are largely shared, too – spilled or thrown drinks top the list (78%), including for almost half of those who back change outright.
Reasons and conditions
Both sides have their reasons – and their conditions. Support is about principle, not profit. Supporters cite personal freedom, fairness with other sports and concerts, and reducing heavy pre-match drinking. Only 12% cite club revenue, and 27% don't expect to drink at their seat themselves.
Opposition is often about the match, not about alcohol. Many opponents enjoy a drink before and after the game; their objection is disruption while watching it. Both sides argue from safety. Supporters say change would reduce binge drinking and concourse crushes; opponents fear disorder. The disagreement is really about evidence – which is why a pilot resonates across the divide.
Fans design a workable model
The Everton FAB also asked fans how concerns could be answered. Supporters and opponents alike put forward practical ideas – in effect designing a workable model themselves. The six strongest were:
- An independently evaluated pilot before any wider rollout
- Drinks bought pre-match or at half-time and taken to seats, with bars closed during play
- Alcohol-free sections, not only for families
- Spill-resistant containers and clear, proportionate sanctions
- Limits per purchase, and possibly mid-strength drinks
- Phasing by fixture: lower-risk and cup games first, derbies and high-risk games excluded
Rob Galkoff, secretary of the Everton Fan Advisory Board, said: “This isn’t a simple yes-or-no question for Evertonians. Whether fans were for change or against it, they told us what would need to be in place – and many came up with ideas as solutions themselves.”
The current rules look likely to remain in place in the near term, but the FAB say Evertonians have given valuable insight for when the debate returns. The group will share the findings with Everton Football Club and supporters' organisations including the Football Supporters' Association, reflecting the views of those opposed as fully as those in favour – and will continue to ask, and listen, on the issues that matter to fans.
