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Lifting the ban on pints at football is fair but there are bigger fan issues for Andy Burnham to address

Andy Burnham has proposed the lifting of the ban on drinking alcohol in view of a football pitch at grounds in England and Wales

By Chris Holt · The Star

Published: Friday, 25 September 2026 at 10:54 AM

Key Things to Know

Andy Burnham has proposed lifting the ban on drinking alcohol in view of football pitches in England and Wales.
The regulation restricting alcohol consumption in football stadium stands dates back 40 years.
Spectators are currently permitted to consume alcohol in their seats at rugby and cricket matches in the UK.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Andy Burnham has proposed lifting the longstanding ban on drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at football stadiums across England and Wales. The proposal aims to bring soccer regulations in line with other major sports, where spectators are permitted to consume alcohol at their seats.

The current restrictions date back four decades to measures introduced under Margaret Thatcher to combat hooliganism. The commentary highlights the disparity between soccer and sports such as rugby and cricket, arguing that modern football supporters deserve the same choices afforded to attendees at other sporting events.

Read the full article on The Star