Andy Burnham Says Alcohol Ban Should End for UK Football Fans
The prime minister said the 40-year-old rule is outdated and unfair, while police warned any change could affect safety at matches.
- On Tuesday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham branded the football alcohol ban 'discrimination,' suggesting the four-decade-old 1985 legislation could be reconsidered on a trial basis.
- Margaret Thatcher's government introduced the 1985 law to address what then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan called a 'major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour' in English football grounds.
- FSA chairman Tom Greatrex called the restriction 'unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match,' noting supporters can drink at an Oasis gig or rugby league match.
- A UK Football Policing Unit spokesman warned that changing the law would pose 'challenges' to policing and the 'safety of staff and fans at football games,' calling fundamental changes 'incredibly rash' without evidence.
- Scotland has prohibited general alcohol sales in football stadiums since 1981, though recent trial sales at Hampden Park indicate alternative management models are feasible for authorities reviewing long-standing restrictions.
18 Articles
18 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Burnham wants alcohol ban in stands at football matches to be overturned
The Prime Minister said it was unfair for football fans to be singled out when supporters of other sports were able to drink while watching their teams
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is considering holding a pilot period during which the ban on alcohol consumption while watching football matches in stadiums will be lifted
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is considering holding a pilot period during which the ban on alcohol consumption while watching football matches in stadiums will be lifted. "I think this law was passed in an era when...
'Burnham's right to say football booze ban unfair - but sober debate is needed'
There are now two generations separating today's younger fans with the violence that marred the sport in the 70s and 80s. But it's not as simple as letting supporters off the naughty step after 40 years
Andy Burnham set to lift beer ban in football stadiums as he slams unfair 'singling out' of fans
Andy Burnham is set to lift the beer ban in football stadiums as he has criticised unfair "singling out" of fans. The Prime Minister previously voiced his frustration over the ban, before he entered Downing Street, that fans of top-flight football clubs were barred from drinking within sight of the pitch. He said: "I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination."Under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985, drinking in vie…
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