Police oppose easing football alcohol restrictions after Burnham comments

Police have warned against relaxing restrictions on alcohol in football stands after Prime Minister Andy Burnham argued that supporters are being treated unfairly compared with followers of other sports. BBC News reported that the Football Supporters' Association welcomed his intervention, while government sources stressed that he was expressing a longstanding view rather than announcing a change in policy.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the United Nations in New York, Burnham said there was a case for removing the different treatment of football spectators and suggested that a trial could be considered. An Everton season-ticket holder, he had previously criticised the restriction after attending a rugby league match at the club's Hill Dickinson Stadium, where drinking in the stands was permitted.

The BBC reported that government officials do not regard his remarks as signalling an intention to change the law. A pilot has not been ruled out, but any broader move would need extensive consultation with clubs, supporters and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. No such consultation is currently planned, leaving a distinction between Burnham's personal position and an agreed government programme.

The UK Football Policing Unit said easing the rules would create difficulties for policing and for the safety of spectators and staff. Its spokesman argued that football still experiences violence and criminal behaviour from a minority of supporters, with alcohol frequently contributing to disorder. The unit wants an opportunity to explain those concerns to the prime minister and called for evidence to be examined alongside consultation with experienced police practitioners before fundamental changes are made.

FSA chairman Tom Greatrex took the opposite position, saying football fans should not face criminal penalties for drinking while watching a match when people in the same stadium can consume alcohol during concerts or rugby league. According to the BBC, he said many clubs favoured change and welcomed a review of legislation the association regards as outdated. A fan-led governance review had also called for reconsideration in 2021.

The report noted that restrictions introduced in 1985 prevent drinking within sight of the pitch at grounds used by clubs in England's top five men's divisions. Women's football has taken a different course: all Women's Super League clubs may offer alcohol in the stands this season following two seasons of trials. That change does not amount to a relaxation of the men's football rules.