UK Prime Minister Burnham considers trial lifting of football alcohol ban — Cyprus Mail

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he supports the possibility of experimentally allowing fans to consume alcohol in the stands during men’s football matches in England. According to him, the restrictions introduced nearly 40 years ago are outdated and treat football fans differently from supporters of other sports.

The ban has been in force since 1985

In the top five divisions of English men’s football, consuming alcohol in the stands has been prohibited since 1985. Fans may consume alcohol outside the viewing area of the pitch.

Burnham told journalists on his way to New York for the UN General Assembly that the legislation was passed at a time when football was substantially different from the modern game. He believes there are grounds to remove this difference in the rules, including through a trial period.

As Cyprus Mail reports, citing Reuters, the restrictions were introduced amid widespread violence between fans in the 1980s.

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Police warn against changes

A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit said alcohol plays a significant role in football-related violence. In their view, allowing alcohol consumption during matches without a careful review of the evidence and consultations with police would be unwise.

After the events before the 1985 European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus at the Heysel Stadium in Belgium, when 39 people died, English clubs were barred from European competitions for five years. Subsequently, the level of violence at matches was reduced through all-seater stadiums, increased police control, surveillance cameras and the commercial development of football.

Experience of women’s football and other countries

During the 2025–2026 season, an experiment was already conducted in England’s Women’s Super League that allowed fans to consume alcohol within sight of the pitch. According to survey results, 90% of respondents said matches remained safe and suitable for family attendance.

To permanently lift the ban, the Sporting Events and Control of Alcohol Act 1985 must be amended, which would require a parliamentary majority. In Germany, fans can buy and drink beer in the stands, while Spain and France retain restrictions on alcohol sales at stadiums.