UK Prime Minister Challenges Alcohol Ban Targeting Soccer Fans

Clear Facts

• UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is criticizing alcohol restrictions at men’s soccer matches that do not apply to rugby or other sports.
• Current law prohibits alcohol consumption in view of the pitch at England’s top five tiers of men’s football, a rule dating back to 1985.
• Burnham argues the policy discriminates against football fans and has suggested a trial basis for change.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham is calling for a review of alcohol restrictions that apply only to men’s soccer matches. He says the rules unfairly single out football supporters while other sports face no such limits.

Burnham told reporters, “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out.”

The restrictions date to 1985 legislation passed under Margaret Thatcher’s government. That law bars fans from drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at stadiums in England’s top five tiers of men’s football.

The Football Supporters’ Association has urged a review of what it calls outdated rules. Police officials have warned against relaxing the restrictions and requested meetings with the prime minister.

Burnham made his remarks while attending a rugby league match at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, where alcohol consumption in the stands is permitted. He is a season-ticket holder at Everton and has long opposed the football-specific ban.

While in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, Burnham stood by his position. “I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different,” he 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.”

Government sources told the BBC that Burnham was expressing a personal view rather than announcing new policy. A spokesman for the U.K. Football Policing Unit warned that relaxing the law could create safety concerns for staff and fans.

The spokesman said, “Other sports simply don’t see the violence and criminal behavior from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behavior.”

FSA chairman Tom Greatrex rejected that argument. He said it was “unfair to criminalize football fans for having a pint while watching the match, especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol (while) watching an Oasis gig or rugby league.”

England has already allowed alcohol sales in the stands for the Women’s Super League after successful trial periods.

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