Andy Burnham set to scrap the law that bans football fans from drinking in the stands

Andy Burnham has announced his intention to scrap the law that prohibits football supporters from drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch. Burnham stated that the current restrictions unfairly single out football fans compared to spectators at rugby and cricket matches. He suggested that the reform could potentially be introduced on a trial basis to remove what he described as long-standing discrimination.

The proposed change targets the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 in England and Wales. However, a spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit opposed the move, warning that permitting greater alcohol consumption inside stadiums poses significant safety risks and could lead to increased disorder and policing challenges on matchdays.