# Should football fans be allowed to drink in their seats? > UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants to scrap a 40-year-old ban on alcohol in football stands, but supporters are divided on whether it's a good idea. - Title: Should football fans be allowed to drink in their seats? - Summary: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants to scrap a 40-year-old ban on alcohol in football stands, but supporters are divided on whether it's a good idea. A… - Keywords: alcohol ban, football grounds, andy burnham, uk prime minister, sporting events control of alcohol act, 1985 law, premier league, english football league, football supporters association, scotland football, women's super league, safe standing - Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cq1kx140gwlzo - Published: 2026-09-24T14:03:49.959+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: alcohol ban, football grounds, andy burnham, uk prime minister, sporting events control of alcohol act, 1985 law, premier league, english football league, football supporters association, scotland football, women's super league, safe standing ## PM wants to scrap 40-year drinking ban UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham believes the law preventing supporters from drinking beer at their seats during matches is outdated and unfairly singles out football fans compared to other sports. > I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination ## The 1985 law that started it all The Sporting Events Control of Alcohol Act was introduced in 1985 to counter escalating hooliganism in the 1970s and 1980s. It bans alcohol consumption in areas with a view of the pitch at Premier League clubs down to the National League. ## Scotland is testing relaxed rules Scotland lifted its strict alcohol ban as part of a pilot scheme, with clubs selling beer in clearly defined, monitored areas. The trial started with lower-level clubs and has now been extended to the Premiership and the national team's friendlies. ## Women's Super League removes the ban The Women's Super League in England completed two seasons of successful trials and has now removed the rule preventing drinking in the stands, as the women's game is not governed by the 1985 alcohol control law. ## Premier League stays cautious Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said in August the competition had not formed a specific view and would need to give the issue careful thought before taking a position. ## English Football League open to reform The English Football League issued a statement saying it would be receptive to discussions about reviewing the current legislation, noting that member clubs have mandated them to lobby for reform that keeps pace with modern stadium management and safety. ## Supporters' Association backs the change The Football Supporters' Association argues the ban is outdated and unfair, pointing out that fans can drink at rugby matches, concerts, and other events in the same stadiums. It wants clubs to have the choice to sell alcohol, with some offering it in all stands and others in designated areas only. > If you go to watch football in Germany or in other places around the world, then it's perfectly acceptable. ## Police warn of violence risk The UK Football Policing Unit rejected the suggestion, arguing that alcohol plays a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour at football grounds, which other sports do not experience to the same degree. ## Police credibility questioned The Football Supporters' Association points out that police opposed safe standing four years ago, predicting it would increase disorder and allow missiles and drugs into stadiums. Those predictions did not come true, suggesting police concerns about alcohol should be treated sceptically. ## Fans fear beer will be thrown Many match-going supporters oppose the change, worried that allowing alcohol in stands will lead to beer being thrown during celebrations and creating anti-social behaviour that ruins the experience for families and other fans. > I don't want to go round stinking of other people's beer and there is a fashion among certain supporters to throw their beer everywhere. ## Football is more tribal than other sports Some supporters argue that football's tribal nature makes it fundamentally different from rugby, concerts, and other events, and that adding alcohol to an already volatile environment could make existing problems with flares and drugs worse. > Football is tribal whereas other sports they aren't. ## Designated areas could be a compromise Some fans suggest allowing alcohol in clearly defined, monitored sections of stadiums, with alcohol-free zones for families and supporters who do not drink for religious reasons. This approach could give clubs flexibility while addressing safety concerns. ## Europe shows different approaches Germany's Bundesliga has no ban and even sells beer from trolleys outside grounds. Italy allows alcohol up to five percent ABV. Spain bans it in top divisions but allows it in seats. France bans it at all sports events except VIP areas. These varied approaches show different countries balance fan experience with safety differently. ## Key takeaway A decades-old law bans drinking in football stands across England and Wales, but attitudes are shifting as Scotland and the Women's Super League test relaxed rules, while fans and police remain split on safety concerns.