Burnham Condemns Football Stand Alcohol Ban as Discriminatory, Backs Possible Trial

Andy Burnham has condemned the prohibition on alcohol in the stands at men’s football matches as “discrimination”.

The prime minister told reporters that he did not believe football supporters should be singled out and suggested that a controlled trial could be considered.

Since 1985, English and Welsh stadiums hosting clubs in the top five tiers of men’s football have been prohibited from allowing alcohol to be consumed in view of the pitch. Supporters at other sports events do not face the same restriction.

The Football Supporters’ Association has described the legislation as outdated and called for it to be reviewed. Police chiefs, however, have cautioned against weakening the law and want to meet the prime minister to explain the operational difficulties involved.

The rule was introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government in 1985. Then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan said alcohol was a “major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour” at football grounds.

Burnham is an avid football supporter and holds a season ticket for Premier League club Everton.

Before becoming prime minister, he criticised the restriction while attending a rugby league match at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, where supporters were able to drink alcohol in the stands.

Speaking to reporters during a trip to the United Nations in New York, Burnham was asked whether his position had changed since taking office.

Burnham replied: “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.”

Government sources said a trial to assess whether the rule could be changed had not been ruled out.

However, any broader reform would require extensive consultation with football clubs, supporters and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. No such consultation is currently planned.

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