Burnham brands football alcohol ban 'discrimination' — SkimNews
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- Andy Burnham said the 1985 ban on drinking alcohol in football stands is "discrimination" against football fans and floated a trial-based approach, while declining to commit to a wider reform
- The 1985 legislation, introduced under Margaret Thatcher's government with then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan citing alcohol as a "major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour," applies to clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England and Wales
- The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) warned that relaxing the law would be "incredibly rash," arguing football uniquely sees violence and criminal behaviour from a minority of supporters with alcohol playing a significant part
- Football Supporters' Association chairman Tom Greatrex backed Burnham, saying it is "unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint" when rugby league or Oasis gig-goers can drink in their seats
- All Women's Super League clubs were permitted to offer alcohol in stands this season after two seasons of successful trials, a precedent Burnham's proposed pilot could mirror
- In Scotland, alcohol sales have been prohibited at football stadiums since 1981, though trial sales have recently been permitted and fans can now buy alcohol at Hampden Park
- A 2021 fan-led review of football governance had already called for the law to be re-examined, and government sources said a pilot is not being ruled out but no consultation is currently planned
Why it matters: Burnham's intervention — made while travelling to the UN in New York — is the first time a sitting prime minister has publicly questioned the 40-year-old alcohol-in-football-stands ban, but policing chiefs are already publicly resisting any relaxation, meaning any change faces a credible safety-based veto before it reaches Parliament.
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