'Unfair' ban on drinking alcohol in football stands could be scrapped, says Burnham

A ban on football supporters drinking alcohol in the stands is discriminatory, unfair and should be scrapped, the prime minister has said.

Drinking while in view of the pitch has been banned in the top five tiers of men's football since 1985, when fears over violence and hooliganism were at their height.

Andy Burnham has now said the measure is unjust as the same rules don't apply to fans of other sports.

The prime minister said: "I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out in that way."

"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," he added.

"There are different ways it could be done, perhaps on a trial basis," Mr Burnham said.

"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 Football Supporters' Association (FSA) welcomed the prime minister's words and highlighted successful trials of alcohol in the stands in the women's game.

Its chairman, Tom Greatrex, said it was unfair fans couldn't have a pint while watching games, "especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league".

But the UK Football Policing Unit said it would be "incredibly rash" to change the rules without proper consultation.

"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 said.

The English Football League (EFL) said it would be "receptive to discussions around reviewing current legislation and permitting alcoholic drinks within view of the pitch".

A spokesperson said: "The legislation was introduced more than 40 years ago and has not kept pace with significant developments in stadium management, safety and stewarding.

"Applying a blanket ban to all supporters is not proportionate to the level of risk associated with alcohol consumption at the vast majority of EFL fixtures, which are categorised as low risk."

Mr Burnham raised the issue in July, just before he became prime minister, while watching rugby league at Everton's stadium with Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram.

He was at the ground with friends who were holding pints of beer and said: "How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can't do that at an Everton home game? Something wrong there. I think we need to look at that."

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Education Secretary Lucy Powell said it was good the prime minister had started a conversation on the issue.

Speaking to Sky's Sophy Ridge, she said any changes must maintain the "family environment" and "good atmosphere" at football matches.

"Obviously people can drink at half time," she added. "They can drink before the game. There is a lot of alcohol in and around clubs if people choose to drink it.

"What the prime minister's identified is that in other sports, cricket and rugby and other things, there isn't the same kind of limits on it."

Scotland fans will be allowed to buy alcohol in two areas of the Hampden Park stadium concourse during upcoming games against Switzerland and Slovenia, after trials earlier this year went well.

Alcohol has been banned in Scottish stadiums since the early 1980s.

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