Burnham calls stadium alcohol ban on football fans discrimination
Prime Minister Burnham criticises UK laws banning alcohol in view of football pitches for top five tiers, comparing it to rugby and concerts.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Burnham labels the ban on alcohol in football stands as discriminatory.
- The restriction affects men's football in the top five tiers of England.
- Government sources stress this is an old opinion, not a policy change.
- FSA supports reviewing the rules following successful women's league trials.
Prime Minister Burnham has stated that the existing legislation preventing people from drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at stadiums for clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England amounts to discrimination. He pointed out that other sports do not face comparable restrictions and argued that the law dates back to an era when football was vastly different.
Speaking to reporters during his trip to the United Nations in New York, Burnham was questioned on whether he maintained this view after entering Downing Street. He responded that a case exists to remove this discrimination, suggesting it could potentially be implemented on a trial basis.
Photo by Miguel Henriques / Unsplash
The prohibition on alcohol consumption within view of football pitches in England traces back to historical efforts to curb football hooliganism during the 1970s and 1980s. Bringing this topic back into public discussion highlights ongoing debates regarding regulatory parity with other sports like rugby league or live music events, where spectators face fewer seating restrictions.
Government sources were quick to clarify that Burnham was merely reiterating a longstanding personal opinion rather than issuing a policy announcement. Officials noted inside government that his remarks do not signal an immediate intention to alter the existing laws governing stadium drinking.
"Other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does."
UK Government Source
Authorities emphasized that making fundamental changes without thorough examination of evidence and extensive consultation with police practitioners would be rash. Meanwhile, Football Supporters' Association (FSA) chairman Tom Greatrex argued it was unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while supporters can drink freely at rugby matches or music gigs.
In contrast, regulations have already been relaxed in the Women's Super League (WSL), where all clubs are permitted to offer alcohol to supporters in the stands following two years of successful trials. In Scotland, the rules remain stricter, with general alcohol sales prohibited in stadiums since 1981, though recent trial sales have allowed fans to purchase drinks at Hampden Park.
Source: BBC Sport
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