Andy Burnham says football fans should not be banned from drinking on the terraces while watching a match.
His intervention over what he described as the “discrimination” against football fans could overturn a 40-year-old ban brought in during the height of football hooliganism.
But the suggestion of ending the ban was criticised by police responsible for football matches, who argued alcohol plays “a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour”.
The law dates back to 1985, when football was blighted by hooliganism and serious crowd disorder.
‘A case to remove discrimination’
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act was introduced as part of a wider crackdown on football violence, making it an offence to consume alcohol within sight of the pitch at designated matches.
But four decades on, Burnham argues that football has changed beyond recognition.
“I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different,” he said.
He added that he believed there was “a case to remove that discrimination”, and said the change could be introduced on a trial basis.
Asked whether it was right that rugby and cricket fans could enjoy an alcoholic drink while watching a game, while football fans cannot, Burnham, who is an avid Evertonian, said: “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way.
“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.”
Currently, a football supporter can buy alcohol inside the ground – but must leave the “view of the pitch” to drink it.
The same restriction does not apply to fans at rugby league or cricket matches.
Burnham first highlighted the difference on 4 July, while watching rugby league at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. As supporters around him drank while watching the match, he questioned why the same was not allowed when Everton play there.
“How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at an Everton home game?”
He then added: “Something’s wrong there. I think we need to look at that.”
‘Other sports don’t see the violence’
A UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesperson said, “The UKFPU would welcome a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss his views and explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of staff and fans at football games.
“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.
“Following a number of football-related tragedies, changes in legislation were implemented after the Taylor Report for good reason and we are currently in the longest ever period without a significant football related disaster.
“It would be incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners who have the expertise in this area.”
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