Could football fans soon be drinking alcohol whilst watching men’s football from the stands

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested that Labour could consider changing the rules around alcohol consumption in the stands at men’s football matches, potentially bringing an end to the 40-year ban on drinking alcohol within sight of the pitch.

Football stadia are subject to heavy restrictions on where and when fans can consume alcohol during men’s professional football matches. The same restrictions don’t apply when the stadia are being used for other events such as women’s professional matches, music concerts, boxing matches or when hosting other sporting events.

The legislation which prevents the consumption of alcohol within sight of the pitch during men’s professional football matches dates back to 1985. The football world was a different place back then. The experience for fans has evolved significantly since then and perhaps the time is right to revisit a total ban on drinking while watching the game.

The understandable concerns for disorder exacerbated by alcohol should be balanced against the reality that most match goers are not troublemakers. In the same way as stadia can have safe standing areas perhaps hospitality areas and designated drinking areas could be exempted from the blanket ban.

If the government do lift restrictions the operator of every football stadium throughout the leagues should audit their Premises Licences immediately. It may be that there are operating conditions on the licence which prevent drinking in view of the pitch and in that case a variation of the premises licence would be needed to take advantage of any government relaxation.

For further information contact Licensing Executive Nick Landells or any of our licensing solicitors at Poppleston Allen on 0115 9538500.