The decades-long ban on football fans drinking alcohol in the stands could be lifted by Prime Minister Andy Burnham – but the proposal has been slammed by many supporters
The longstanding ban on football fans drinking pints in the stands could be overturned, Andy Burnham has said – but not all supporters are in favours of the proposal.
The Prime Minister, who is a huge Everton fan, argued it was unfair that football fans can’t have a pint during the match in the stands like their rugby or cricket counterparts. And he suggested that antiquated laws have unfairly “singled out” football supporters.
However, any attempt to abolish the ban is likely to face strong resistance from the police, who maintain that drinking on terraces contributes to unruly behaviour, and has already been slammed by some football fans on social media.
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Since 1985, under legislation introduced by Margaret Thatcher to combat football hooliganism during a period of heightened matchday violence, drinking alcohol within view of the pitch has been prohibited in England and Wales.
The current rules are enforced within 15 minutes of kick-off and the final whistle. Under existing regulations, fans are still permitted to enjoy a pint within the concourse. However, critics argue this encourages binge drinking before games or hurried consumption during half time.
Burnham faced questions about his previous objections to the ban prior to becoming Prime Minister. When asked if he would abolish it, he responded: “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point,” reports the Mirror.
“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, perhaps 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.”
The Toffees supporter had previously argued it was unfair that he could enjoy a beer while watching rugby league at the club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, but not during football matches.
In a social media video while clutching a pint, he said: “How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at an Everton home game? There’s something wrong there, we need to take a look at that.”
However, the idea has been slammed by some figures in football and vocal fans on social media.
Marc White, the owner and manager of National League South club Dorking Wanderers, said: “Who is this guy?! Politics and vote scoring doesn’t belong in football, and if it did, fix the real issues in the game. A ridiculous short sighted idea that most football fans don’t want. It took years to clean up the game!”
One fan fumed: “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.”
“People will be in an out all the time to get a beer or have a p***, it’s unnecessary,” a third shared. And a fourth added: “Genuinely does anyone even want this? Can’t be arsed getting soaked in beer every week…”
Another fan said: “Whilst I understand Andy Burnham not wanting football fans to be demonised in relation to other sections of society and I make him right, I have zero desire to have drinking in the stands. People will be in an out all the time to get a beer or have a p***, it’s unnecessary.”