Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described the long-standing ban on football fans drinking alcohol in their seats as “discriminatory” and called for the rules to be scrapped. Speaking to reporters on 23 September 2026 while travelling to the UN General Assembly in New York, the Prime Minister suggested that the current restrictions are unfair to football supporters compared to those of other sports.
The ban, which prevents fans from consuming alcohol within “sight of the pitch,” has been in place for nearly 40 years. It was introduced under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 during an era when the government was attempting to curb widespread hooliganism.
While fans in the top five tiers of English football are permitted to drink in stadium concourses before kick-off and at half-time, they are legally prohibited from taking drinks into the stands. This restriction does not apply to other major UK sports, such as rugby or cricket, where spectators are routinely allowed to drink while watching the action.
Successful trials and safety ratings
The call for reform follows successful trials during the 2025/26 Women’s Super League (WSL) season. During those pilot schemes, fans were permitted to drink in their seats, resulting in an average safety rating of 9.4 out of 10 and no recorded incidents of disorder.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell has also backed a “conversation” on the move, noting that matchday environments have transformed since the 1980s. Supporters of the change argue that the rise of “safe standing” areas and improved stadium technology mean the strict 1985 legislation is no longer fit for purpose.
Police warnings over “rash” changes
However, the proposal faces significant opposition from law enforcement. The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has formally warned that scrapping the ban without a comprehensive safety examination would be “incredibly rash.” Police officials maintain that football carries unique public order risks that distinguish it from other sporting events.
The Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) currently oversees these regulations at “designated” grounds, which include all stadiums in the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, and the National League. Matches in the lower tiers of the non-league pyramid are typically exempt from these specific national restrictions, though they remain subject to local licensing conditions.
The Prime Minister’s comments do not yet represent a formal change in the law. Any move to repeal or amend the 1985 Act would require a full consultation process and a vote in Parliament. For now, the “sight of the pitch” ban remains active for all upcoming fixtures in the top five divisions of the men’s game.