Burnham Backs Lifting 40-Year Ban on Stadium Alcohol Sales
Andy Burnham called England's ban on drinking alcohol in football stands 'discrimination' and said he supports reviewing the 1985 law. He spoke to reporters during a trip to the United Nations in New York.
- 1985's Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act covers top five men's divisions in England and Wales.
- £4.4 million extra per season in alcohol sales was projected for League 2 clubs by a 2021 review.
- Women's Super League clubs were permitted to sell alcohol in stands this season after successful trials.
- Cricket, rugby, and concerts at the same venues face no equivalent restriction.
Why it matters: The law has been in place for 41 years. Changing it would require legislation and broad consultation with clubs, fans, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
- Football Supporters' Association chairman Tom Greatrex said the legislation is 'outdated' and that 'many clubs' back a change.
- The UK Football Policing Unit said alcohol plays 'a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour' at matches and warned against changes without full evidence review.
How 6 sources split on this story
Where they split: Whether alcohol-related disorder in football is still serious enough to justify a ban that applies to no other sport.
Center coverage, 3 sources: The center presents it as a balanced policy debate — quoting Burnham's 'discrimination' framing alongside police safety warnings and noting the gap between aspiration and any concrete government plan.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right frames Burnham's move as a populist play — skeptical of his priorities and noting aide concerns that his beer-and-football image risks alienating voters — while giving space to both fan enthusiasm and police objections.
What’s next: The UK Football Policing Unit requested a meeting with Burnham to discuss safety risks.
- Government sources have not ruled out a pilot scheme but say no wider consultation is currently planned.
- Would a trial be limited to lower leagues, or could it extend to the Premier League?
- How would police resourcing be affected if the ban is lifted at high-attendance matches?