Burnham says football alcohol ban merits review

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there is a case to review England and Wales’s ban on drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at men’s football matches, and that any change could be tested on a trial basis. He did not announce a policy decision, and it remains unclear whether the government will pursue a review or trial. Burnham made the comments to reporters in New York, saying the restriction treats football supporters differently from fans at other sports and dates to a period when football was different. He said he had long held that view and did not rule out a trial, but did not set out a timetable or specific proposal. The Sporting Events Control of Alcohol Act 1985 prohibits drinking in view of the pitch at men’s football grounds in England and Wales. The restriction applies to the top five tiers of men’s football. Supporters may drink in stadium concourses, but not where they can see the pitch. The Football Supporters Association welcomed Burnham’s comments and said the law should be reviewed. Its chair, Tom Greatrex, pointed to alcohol-in-stands pilots in women’s football as evidence that the idea could be examined.