A new YouGov poll shows that most regular football match-goers support the current ban on drinking alcohol in stadium seats, with 63 per cent backing the restriction against 35 per cent who oppose it.
The survey of 6,091 adults found that 64 per cent of Britons who have attended a game believe the ban on drinking alcohol at seats should remain in place, with only 26 per cent saying they would like to see it lifted.
Fans fear worse match-day experience
The findings state: “Indeed, 53 per cent of at least one-time match-goers believe that fans being allowed to drink alcohol in view of the pitch would make the match-day experience worse, relative to 17 per cent feeling it would make no difference and 20 per cent thinking it would improve the experience.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, an Everton fan, has raised the idea of allowing supporters to drink in the seats, a practice outlawed since 1985. The proposal has sparked a massive debate and divided fans.
Burnham argues for trial basis
Burnham, who officially succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister in July, hinted that he would seek to overturn the ban on a trial basis, arguing that the rules were imposed in a very different era. Asked if he would scrap the ban outright, he replied: "I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point.
"I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different. And I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination. There are different ways it could be done, perhaps on a trial basis.
"But I'm not going to back away from what's been a long held view of mine. I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently."
Mixed reaction from authorities
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) welcomed Burnham’s comments, but the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) challenged his view, insisting it would be “irresponsible” to allow “greater alcohol consumption during games”.
