Andy Burnham calls for trial to lift England football alcohol ban as police warn of violence

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for a trial to remove a 40-year-old restriction on drinking alcohol in the stands at football grounds in England, describing the current rules as unfair discrimination against supporters.

The proposal has been opposed by a spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit, who warned that alcohol plays a significant role in violence linked to football matches.

Burnham said the restrictions were outdated and no longer reflected the modern game. Speaking to Agence France-Presse, he said: “I think this legislation belongs to an era when football was completely different. I genuinely believe there is a case for removing this discrimination.”

“There are different ways this could be achieved,” he added. “It could be done on a trial basis.”

Alcohol consumption in the first five rows of football stands in England has been prohibited since 1985. Burnham believes the rule treats football supporters differently from spectators at other sporting events.

However, the UK Football Policing Unit said changing the regulations could worsen an existing problem. Its spokesperson said alcohol was a major factor in football-related violence and described allowing supporters to drink during matches as irresponsible.

“Football experiences levels of violence that are not seen in other sports,” the spokesperson said, warning that any significant change should be preceded by a full assessment of the evidence and consultation with police forces.

The unit said the potential impact of permitting alcohol in the stands needed to be carefully examined before any decision was taken. Its concerns focus on the relationship between alcohol and disorder connected with football, rather than on the wider question of whether the current restrictions remain appropriate.

For supporters to be allowed permanently to drink alcohol inside the stands, the 1985 Sports Events Act would have to be amended.

That change would require a majority in Parliament, meaning any permanent alteration to the rules would need to pass through the legislative process before it could come into force.