MP asks Pompey fans: should supporters be allowed to enjoy a drink in the stands?

Pompey supporters to share their views on whether the rules around drinking alcohol in football stands should be reconsidered.

Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin, a Pompey fan herself, has been asking why you can you enjoy a pint in the stands at a rugby match, or a glass of fizz at tennis, but not at Fratton Park while watching the football.

The current rules date back to 1985, when football faced very different challenges. But she said the game has changed enormously since then.

Amanda has been looking closely at the issue, speaking with colleagues and football stakeholders and examining how alcohol is managed at sporting events in other countries and in other sports.

The question has also been raised in Parliament, with Amanda calling for the issue to be considered carefully and with all relevant stakeholders involved.

There have also been trials in women’s football looking at allowing supporters to consume alcohol in view of the pitch, with safety and responsible drinking at the heart of the approach.

She said: “I’m certainly not suggesting a free-for-all. If we were to consider trials in the men’s game, there would need to be clear safeguards. That could include alcohol-free family areas, restrictions around particular fixtures such as derbies, limits on alcohol strength and strong action on unacceptable behaviour.

“The women’s game has now been able to test what happens when supporters are given the choice to have a drink in the stadium bowl, with safety and responsible drinking at the heart of the trials.

“So should we consider carefully controlled trials in the men’s game too?

“I’ve got my ideas, but I want to hear yours.

“Would you support a properly controlled trial, keep things as they are, or are there safeguards you’d want to see?

“This is about listening to Pompey fans and making sure their views are part of the conversation.”

Amanda is inviting Portsmouth supporters to take part in her survey and share their views on whether alcohol should be permitted in the stands at football, and if so, what safeguards they would want to see.

The survey asks supporters whether they would support a trial, prefer to keep the current rules, and what measures they believe should be considered, including alcohol-free family areas.