PM Andy Burnham calls football alcohol ban discrimination as police warn against change

Andy Burnham has called the ban on drinking alcohol in the stands at men's football matches discrimination and said there is a case to remove it. The Prime Minister, an Everton season ticket holder, made the remarks to reporters while travelling to New York. He argued that football fans should not be singled out when supporters of other sports can drink while watching their teams. He suggested any change could be tried on a trial basis.

The ban applies to the top five tiers of men's football in England and Wales. It stops fans drinking in view of the pitch and has been in force since 1985, when the government introduced it in response to violence and hooliganism at matches. It does not apply in the same way to rugby, darts, non-league football or women's football. At grounds such as Ashton Gate, rugby fans can take pints to their seats while football fans in equivalent seats are limited to concourses. In corporate boxes, curtains have sometimes been drawn so people can drink out of sight of the pitch.

Burnham said: 'I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination.' He added: 'I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently.' He said the atmosphere in grounds had changed significantly in the last 20 years and that he would not have felt as comfortable taking his children to a football game 20 or 30 years ago. He said there was a conversation to be had and that he wanted to lead it. Sources stressed he was restating a long-held position and not announcing new government policy. A government minister said the conversation must continue.

Police chiefs and the UK Football Policing Unit have warned against relaxing the law. A spokesman said other sports do not see the same violence and criminal behaviour from supporters as football does, although it involves a minority. They said alcohol often plays a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour and that it would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater consumption at games. They added it would be incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners. One police voice warned of a risk to public safety, saying disorder can escalate during relegation battles or when opposing fans are volatile.

The Football Supporters Association says the legislation is outdated and should be reviewed. Fans have given mixed views. Some said the game has become more family friendly and that a drink in the stand would improve the matchday experience. Others worried about being splashed, about people who are already drunk, and about intimidation. A female supporter said men under the influence can be intimidating even when they do not intend to be. In Parliament and in panel debates, concerns were also raised about glass bottles, hooliganism and the practical enforcement of any new rules.

Bristol City chief Charlie Boss said football has changed over the last 40 years and it makes sense to keep reviewing the fan experience. He said he honestly did not know whether lifting the ban would improve that experience, but that anything in service of making it better should be looked at. Trials have already taken place in women's football, including at Bristol City, where fans were allowed to drink during part of a match. Non-league clubs can also sell alcohol in stands. Supporters of change argue that the current rules are inconsistent and that consumption has not fallen, with many fans drinking before matches. Some also say clubs could earn more if fans arrive earlier to drink at grounds, while pubs near stadiums might lose trade. Critics say the top men's game still has specific public order risks. No change to the law is imminent.