Prime Minister Andy Burnham is planning to lift the ban on drinking alcohol in view of a football match, a restriction that has been in place since 1985. Burnham has claimed the ban is “discrimination” towards football fans.
The ban was introduced by Margaret Thatcher's government for English and Welsh football grounds following a review into hooliganism within the sport. The then Home Secretary Leon Brittan said at the time it was a “major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour.”
What the PM has said
During a trip to the United Nations in New York, Burnham remarked: "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. It could happen 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."
Burnham has been a long-standing critic of the ban, having suggested scrapping it before he was named PM following a rugby league game at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Concerns over violence
However, Burnham has already come under fire for the suggestion, with a UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesman saying: “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. It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games."
The ban is currently in place across the top five tiers of men’s football in England, but other sports do not impose such a restriction. Fans at the tennis, rugby, boxing, and pretty much any other sporting event can drink in view of the action. Elsewhere in Europe, most countries also allow fans to drink in view of the football pitch.
The public is being asked to have its say on the proposed plan to scrap the booze ban and join the conversation in the comments.
