# Burnham calls football drinking ban discrimination

> The UK prime minister says the 1985 law preventing alcohol in football stands unfairly singles out fans compared to other sports.
- Title: Burnham calls football drinking ban discrimination · BBC News
- Summary: The UK prime minister says the 1985 law preventing alcohol in football stands unfairly singles out fans compared to other sports. Andy Burnham argues the…
- Keywords: andy burnham, uk prime minister, football, alcohol ban, drinking in stadiums, football supporters association, uk football policing unit, margaret thatcher, 1985 legislation, everton, women's super league, scotland football
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c933ky0nknxko
- Published: 2026-09-23T21:01:16.929+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: andy burnham, uk prime minister, football, alcohol ban, drinking in stadiums, football supporters association, uk football policing unit, margaret thatcher, 1985 legislation, everton, women's super league, scotland football
## Burnham attacks football drinking ban
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the law preventing alcohol in football stands is discrimination because other sports allow it. He suggests a trial could test whether the rule should change.

> I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out
## The 1985 law and its origins
Margaret Thatcher's government introduced the alcohol ban in 1985, citing alcohol as a major cause of violence at football grounds. It applies to the top five tiers of men's football in England and Wales.
## Burnham's long-held position
Before becoming prime minister, Burnham criticised the ban while attending a rugby league match at Everton's stadium where drinking in stands was allowed. He remains a season-ticket holder at Premier League club Everton.
## Police warn of safety risks
The UK Football Policing Unit says relaxing the law would pose challenges to safety and policing. They argue football uniquely experiences alcohol-related violence compared to other sports and call any change incredibly rash without full evidence review.

> Other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does
## Supporters' Association backs change
The Football Supporters' Association calls the legislation outdated and unfair, noting fans can drink at rugby league and concerts in the same seats. Many clubs support reviewing the law, the FSA says.

> unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match
## Women's football shows success
All Women's Super League clubs now offer alcohol in stands after two successful trial seasons. This suggests relaxing the ban could work, though any wider change would require extensive consultation with clubs, fans, and government.
## Scotland's different approach
Scotland has had a stricter ban since 1981 prohibiting all alcohol sales at football stadiums. Recent trials are underway and fans can now buy alcohol at Hampden Park games, showing movement toward relaxation there too.
## Key takeaway

Andy Burnham argues the 41-year-old alcohol ban in football stadiums is outdated and discriminatory, but police warn relaxing it could increase violence and disorder.