Politics
UK PM Burnham signals he may lift ban on alcohol in football stands
September 23, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Coverage
3 reports
ESESPN
UK PM Burnham wants 'outdated' football drinking ban scrapped
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BNBBC News
Burnham brands ban on football fans drinking alcohol in stands as 'discrimination'
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TGThe Guardian
Andy Burnham signals he may lift ban on alcohol in football stands
(opens the publisher’s site)Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the ban on drinking in the stands is outdated, unfair and should be trialled for removal.
- Burnham said the 1985 ban, covering the top-five tiers of English men's football, unfairly singles out football fans compared with other sports.
- The Football Supporters' Association said the ban is outdated and deserves review, citing successful in-stand drinking pilots in the women's game.
- The UK Football Policing Unit warned it would be "incredibly rash" to make changes without full examination of evidence and police consultation.
- The English Football League said it would be "receptive" to a review of the legislation.
- Burnham branded the in-stand drinking ban as 'discrimination' against football fans.
- Government sources have not ruled out a pilot scheme to trial lifting the ban.
- Football Supporters' Association chairman Tom Greatrex said it is 'unfair to criminalise fans' and welcomed Burnham's comments.