Industry backs mooted Burnham plans for return of alcohol on football terraces
Industry has backed mooted government plans to consult on allowing football fans to drink alcohol on the terraces for the first time in more than 40 years.
Fans of clubs in the football league were barred from drinking in view of the pitch in the 1980s to stop football hooligans from fighting.
But the Prime Minister Andy Burnham – who is an Everton season ticket holder – is said to be supportive of a reversal of the 41-year-old law.
He told Gary Lineker’s podcast that it was “wrong” for football fans to be denied a beer in the stands when supporters of other sports – such as cricket, darts and rugby – are allowed the pleasure.
And industry has backed reconsideration of the laws, with a spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association stating that “a ban has been in place for decades and represents a very different time and set of challenges”.
“This ban doesn’t apply to other sports or countries,” they added, “and clubs should be able to apply for the chance to sell beer in their stadiums for consumption in the stands, as part of the existing rigorous licensing regime which will have necessary conditions.
“Football fans deserve the same opportunity to enjoy a pint watching their favourite team with friends, just like other sports so we would welcome a review of the current position.”
Booze back at the football?
Currently fans are able to drink before and after matches, and at half-time, but are unable to take their pints to their seats. Hospitality suites often have blinds that shut before players walk out onto the pitch.
Drinking in the stands will be allowed in the women’s game this year – at the discretion of each club – after a successful trial across a number of clubs last season.
A government spokesperson told The Sun: “We are considering the case being made by some clubs and supporter groups for reviewing the current restrictions on alcohol consumption at football matches.
“The safety of football fans remains our priority, and any future consideration of changes would need to be evidence-led and informed by the views of policing and safety authorities, as well as clubs, supporters and other partners across the football sector.”