Ban of alcohol at football ‘could be LIFTED after 35 years to entice fans back and stop huge pile-ups in concourse’
FOOTBALL fans may be allowed to watch the match from the stands with a beer in hand again after a 35-year ban, according to reports.
The Mail claim that football’s drinks ruling – that booze cannot be taken within sight of the pitch – may be ditched as part of the UK Government’s plans for sport post-coronavirus.
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Football fans in England may soon be allowed to bring beers to their seats after a 35-year banCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Critics of the current legislation point to other sports, such as cricket, where attendees can drink and watch the action from their seatsCredit: Reuters
The Conservatives hope fans will start returning to stadiums by the end of October, and they are considering whether to let supporters take alcoholic drinks to their seats.
The Premier League is pulling together medical experts, Government figures and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority to discuss its options.
Boris Johnson has been keen to allow people back into pubs and bars as part of his earliest measures to re-open the UK economy.
And any change must be made via a vote in the House of Commons, as the ban in England and Wales was implemented by law in the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol, etc) Act 1985.
Scotland’s own booze ban was introduced in 1980.
Hooliganism in grounds was a bigger problem in English football in the Eighties – now it is far less prevalent inside stadiums.
To have a blanket ban on alcohol in view of the playing area remaining is, in our view, disproportionate to today’s level of risk.
Shaun Harvey, 2018
It is hoped that it would lead to more sensible drinking if it can be spaced out throughout the match and fans aren’t just loading up before the match and at half-time.
Football’s senior figures have also pointed out the difference in attitudes to other live sporting events.
In 2018, then-EFL chairman Shaun Harvey led calls for the ban to be ended.
Harvey said: “There is no doubt football has changed dramatically in the 30-plus years since the introduction of the act and to have a blanket ban on alcohol in view of the playing area remaining in 2018 is, in our view, disproportionate to today’s level of risk.
“Alongside the potential increase in disorder considerations, one of the key issues that requires further examination is the fact football is being treated inconsistently with other sports – some that occur in the same venue.
“The EFL would always request football is treated consistently and given the same opportunities as other sports, so the many law-abiding citizens attending matches who wish to be able to drink while posing no threat to public order are able to do so.”
Earlier that year, Uefa ended their alcohol ban at Champions League and Europa League matches with Fifa also allowing booze at seats at the Russia World Cup.
A similar move here could benefit clubs in the lower divisions, who need to entice fans back into the ground.
Spreading out drinking time could also mean fewer queues and crushes, which means social distancing is more likely to be adhered to.
That said, some potential match-going supporters may be put off by the prospect of more boozing in the stands and the possible safety implications.
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