# Prime Minister wants drinking ban in football stands scrapped

> Prime Minister Andy Burnham proposes ending alcohol bans at football matches after 40 years
- Title: Prime Minister wants drinking ban in football stands scrapped
- Summary: Prime Minister Andy Burnham proposes ending alcohol bans at football matches after 40 years Prime Minister Andy Burnham says drinking bans in football stands…
- Keywords: andy burnham, prime minister, football stands, alcohol ban, premier league, efl, football supporters association, uk football policing unit, nfl, cricket, safety regulations, sports
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/football/news/12040/13591214/andy-burnham-prime-minister-says-drinking-ban-in-stands-at-football-matches-could-be-scrapped
- Published: 2026-09-23T22:20:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: andy burnham, prime minister, football stands, alcohol ban, premier league, efl, football supporters association, uk football policing unit, nfl, cricket, safety regulations, sports
## Drinking ban history
Drinking alcohol in football stands is illegal since 1985 due to hooliganism concerns
## Prime Minister's stance
Andy Burnham, an Everton fan, says the ban is outdated and unfair compared to other sports

> I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out in that way
## Premier League response
Premier League CEO Richard Masters says they're open to discussion but need careful thought

> We haven't got a specific view on that topic and we'd need to give it some really careful thought
## EFL position
EFL states the ban is outdated and would allow safer, low-risk drinking environments

> The legislation was introduced more than 40 years ago and has not kept pace with significant developments
## Supporters' backing
Football Supporters' Association and many clubs support a trial of legal drinking in stands

> The FSA has always argued that it's unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint
## Public opinion
65% of Sky Sports poll respondents support legalising drinking in football stands
## Police concerns
UK Football Policing Unit warns changing rules without consultation could be irresponsible

> It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games
## Historical context
The 1985 law was introduced to address hooliganism and violence in the 1970s and 1980s
## Cross-sport comparison
Other sports like NFL and cricket allow drinking without similar restrictions
## Key takeaway

Prime Minister Andy Burnham says drinking bans in football stands are outdated and could be scrapped