Sutton United chairman Bruce Elliott believes Andy Burnham's proposal to allow football fans to drink in the stands could alleviate the financial pressure on hard-up lower league clubs. The Prime Minister has suggested the longstanding ban on supporters drinking alcohol in view of the pitch could be overturned, arguing that antiquated laws have unfairly "singled out" football fans, with no such restrictions existing in rugby, cricket or tennis.
The debate has divided those who attend matches, but the proposal could unite club executives who stand to make significant money from the additional 90 minutes of serving time potentially on offer. Currently, the ban applies to all clubs in the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two and the National League.
Financial lifeline for struggling clubs
Elliott, who has just marked 30 years at the helm of the National League club, told the Mirror: "My personal opinion is that this will potentially really improve our financial position, so it could be welcome news."
"The fact is that clubs at our level, and those above in the EFL especially, are struggling financially. That's not a big secret. Football clubs are struggling to survive and every one now, it seems, needs an investor to keep the doors open," he said.
"Wages, even at our level, are massive. I think the idea of fans being able to drink during the game could work, as long as all the relevant health and safety conditions are in place. It needs to be well managed. We could also see fans spacing out their drinks throughout the day instead of being six pints in before the game starts."
Segregation and existing imbalances
Elliott added: "All matches at National League level are now segregated, so we are confident we could handle this. It could be a case of Andy Burnham people-pleasing, but times have moved on and he is right that football fans should be able to get the chance to show they can be trusted."
Clubs below Step 5 are free to serve fans throughout the match, creating an imbalance. Many have questioned why fans of National League South Torquay United - who often play in front of 4,000 crowds - are allowed to drink while supporters at Gateshead, watched by around 600, cannot due to their higher status.
History and opposition
Since 1985, under legislation introduced by Margaret Thatcher to combat football hooliganism during a period of heightened matchday violence, drinking alcohol within view of the pitch has been prohibited in England and Wales. The current rules are enforced within 15 minutes of kick-off and the final whistle. Under existing regulations, fans are still permitted to enjoy a pint within the concourse, though critics argue this encourages binge drinking before games or hurried consumption during half time.
Any attempt to abolish the ban is likely to face strong resistance from the police, who maintain that drinking on terraces contributes to unruly behaviour, and has already been slammed by some football fans on social media.
Supporters' body calls for choice
The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) has issued a statement saying that every club should have the choice. The FSA said: "Arguably the most important point is that the UK Football Policing Unit's comments bringing Hillsborough into this debate have to be corrected. The disaster was not caused by alcohol. Full stop."
"Fans were 'unlawfully killed and a catalogue of failings by police and the ambulance services contributed to their deaths'. It's unfair to criminalise fans for having a pint – especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league. We are fundamentally sceptical of any law which is only targeted at football supporters."
The organisation added: "We think that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed. If there's a consultation we'd like to be part of it. That doesn't mean every club should be forced to serve alcohol to every seat! A club should have the choice to do what is right for its fans. Consultation is critical, some stadiums or stands might not be suitable (e.g. family areas) whereas it might be popular elsewhere. Ultimately, we think clubs, in liaison with their supporters, should be able to determine what is best for themselves, rather than relying on legislation which is decades old and was written through the prism of viewing all football fans as potential hooligans."
When asked if he would abolish the ban, Burnham responded: "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."
