Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declared that the ban on football supporters drinking in the stands during games is outdated, discriminatory and ought to be abolished. He argued it was unjust for football fans to be targeted when supporters of other sports were permitted to drink while watching their teams.
The prohibition was introduced during the 1980s when fears over hooliganism were at their peak, and applies to the top five tiers of English men's football. However, Everton supporter Mr Burnham insisted it was a measure from "an era when football was very different".
Prime Minister's remarks
Mr Burnham told reporters: "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 from others."
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales in the top five men's leagues.
Support and caution
The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) welcomed the Prime Minister's comments, noting that successful pilots of alcohol in the stands had already taken place in the women's game. FSA chairman Tom Greatrex said: "The FSA has always argued that it's unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match – especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league."
"Many clubs are in favour as well. WSL and WSL2 ran a successful pilot, meaning fans can now drink in the stands at many grounds, while the EFL has long supported a trial."
"We welcome the Prime Minister's comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed. We look forward to being part of that consultation."
Despite this, police chiefs cautioned that it would be "incredibly rash" to introduce changes without thorough consultation with forces. A UK Football Policing Unit spokesman indicated senior officers would welcome discussions with Mr Burnham to "explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of staff and fans".
The spokesman said: "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."
"Following a number of football-related tragedies, changes in legislation were implemented after the Taylor Report for good reason and we are currently in the longest ever period without a significant football-related disaster."
"It would be incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners who have the expertise in this area."
Previous remarks
Mr Burnham had previously highlighted the matter shortly before entering No 10 in July, when rugby league supporters were permitted to consume alcohol while watching fixtures at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium. He attended the venue with companions, including Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram, who were holding pints of beer, and remarked: "How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can't do that at an Everton home game?"
"Something wrong there. I think we need to look at that."
