Ban on drinking alcohol in football stands could be scrapped
Drinking on the terraces has been banned in the top five tiers of men's football since 1985
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested that a ban on drinking alcohol in the stands at football matches could soon be scrapped for the first time in more than 40 years.
Drinking while in view of the pitch has been banned in the top five tiers of men's football since 1985. At the time, Doncaster Rovers were competing in the third-tier of English football and were managed by legendary Leeds United midfielder Billy Bremner.
The legislation was introduced by Margaret Thatcher's government for English and Welsh football grounds, with then Home Secretary Leon Brittan describing alcohol as a "major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour" in stadiums.
However, other sports such as cricket, rugby and tennis were not impacted by the legislation.
Burnham is a big football fan and a season ticket holder at Premier League side Everton. He’s been a vocal critic of the policy and believes that it is now outdated.
"I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different,” Burnham said.
"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."
In response, the UK Football Policing Unit said it would like to meet with the PM 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".
They added: "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."