Should football booze ban be scrapped? Have your say on Andy Burnham idea

12:23, Thu, Sep 24, 2026 Updated: 12:45, Thu, Sep 24, 2026

Andy Burnham's is planning to lift the ban on pitchside booze at football matches (Image: Getty)

Andy Burnham wants to put an end to the ban on drinking alcohol in view of a football match. The Prime Minister has claimed the ban, which has been in place since 1985, is “discrimination” towards football fans.

It was introduced by Margaret Thatcher's government for English and Welsh football grounds following a review into hooliganism within the sport. The then Home Secretary Leon Brittan said at the time it was a “major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour.”

Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more

I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.

You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info.

But fast forward over four decades and Burnham’s Labour government want to repeal the law, allowing spectators to enjoy a tipple on the terraces. The ban is currently in place across the top five tiers of men’s football in England, but other sports do not impose such a restriction.

Fans at the tennis, rugby, boxing, and pretty much any other sporting event can drink in view of the action. Elsewhere in Europe, most countries also allow fans to drink in view of the football pitch.

Burnham has been a long-standing critic of the ban, having suggested scrapping it before he was named PM following a rugby league game at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

But what do you reckon? Have your say on the proposed plan to scrap the booze ban and join the conversation in the comments...

Fans in England aren't allowed to drink in view of the pitch (Image: Getty)

What has the PM said about this? Well, during a trip to the United Nations in New York, Burnham remarked: "I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different.

"And I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination. There are different ways it could be done. It could happen on a trial basis. But I'm not going to back away from what's been a long-held view of mine. I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently."

However, Burnham has already come under fire for the suggestion, with A UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesman saying: “Other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour. It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games."