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Andy Burnham set to scrap the law that bans football fans from drinking in the stands

Andy Burnham has told reporters that he is set to scrap the law that bans football fans from drinking in the stands.

The Prime Minister first made his feelings known a few months back, posting a video at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, watching Leigh Leopards defeat Warrington Wolves, holding pints of beer.

Burnham said at the time: “I’ve only got one question, though, about this day today.

“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.”

Burnham said he wants to scrap the ban, as per the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985, prohibiting drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales. It is allowed at rugby, cricket and other sporting events.

Fans make feelings known as Andy Burnham ‘considers scrapping football stadium booze ban’

He gave an updated date on it, saying as per BBC News: “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out.

“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.”

A UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesman said, as per The Guardian: “The UKFPU would welcome a meeting with the prime minister to discuss his views and explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of staff and fans at football games.

“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 [of 1990 into the causes of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster] 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.”

He added that “many clubs” wanted change: “We welcome the prime minister’s comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed.”

An EFL spokesperson said they are “receptive” to a review of legislation that “was introduced more than 40 years ago and has not kept pace with significant developments in stadium management, safety and stewarding”.

The chair of the Football Supporters’ Association, 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. 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.”

Fair to say there has been a huge reaction online with Andy Burnham set to scrap the law that bans football fans from drinking in the stands…

@Pompeyboyblues: Can’t wait to have some prick chuck a beer on me when we score a consolation goal at home to Norwich

@StuartAkister: Folk who don’t actually go to football will think this is a bad idea coz of fighting etc; it’s not, it’s a bad idea coz you’ll get pricks spraying drink about after goals like they are at box park, to try and get likes on tick tock

@Mark_CPFC: I was all for it, and then I experienced European away games. Anyone who has experienced a game abroad will know exactly why we shouldn’t have alcohol in the stands in England…

@drjlaw1994: Such a stupid idea. The majority of fans don’t want to be soaked in beer just because some idiot cant go an hour without a drink. It’ll also just lead to so many incidents of crowd trouble that the stewards wont be able to cope

@pvfcken: As a football fan, this is a daft idea. Unfortunately, the game attracts dickheads who’ll just buy pints to launch when their team score. Luckily for me, I’m a port vale fan so I won’t have to worry about this scenario

@shillcock_paul: As a Season Ticket holder for past 30 years, I’m quite happy with beer ban at football grounds. Fans who want to have several pubs on way to the match and they can drink in the concourse in the ground. Surely its not a massive ask to watch a 90 min game of football without beer?

@CallumHallett6: Noooopeeeee ❌ Plenty of time to drink before, HT & after, I don’t fancy getting drenched by some weapon who thinks it’s funny to launch £6 into the sky, just to make everyone but themselves soaking wet. In the bin. 🗑️

@CFCDaily: Terrible idea. Some idiot is gonna launch a pint when we go 3-0 up in R3 of the FA Cup vs some 3rd division side. The issue isn’t the rule, it’s the people you get surrounded by.

@Kieranbcfc2: Not for me. Don’t need to be drenched in beer (either by design or accident) every time we score or in fact anything remotely exciting happens. Also don’t need it turning into rugby where people are up every 5 minutes to go and fetch another pint.

@Jay89R: Oh ye sound, its December 6th & freezing, we’ve just gone 1-0 up in the 8th min at home to Preston and Steve 5 rows back has launched his fresh pint all over me & my 2 young kids

@darraghcash: In theory this is a great idea, in reality some boozed up twat is gonna spill their drink at the first chance of a shot on target cos they’ve already had a shit ton of drink pre match.

@kiddyguest: Coming from someone who likes a drink, this is a terrible idea on so many levels. People will be to and frowing to the bar and toilet the whole game. Just go 90 mins without a beer and watch the freaking match.

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