A ban on football fans drinking in the stands during matches is outdated, discriminatory and should be scrapped, Andy Burnham said.
The Prime Minister said it was unfair for football fans to be singled out when supporters of other sports were able to drink while watching their teams.
The ban was put in place during the 1980s when concerns about hooliganism were at their height and covers the top five tiers of English men’s football, including Crawley Town and Worthing.
But Everton fan Mr Burnham said it was a measure from “an era when football was very different”.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) welcomed the Prime Minister’s words and said successful pilots of alcohol in the stands had been carried out in the women’s game.
But police chiefs warned it would be “incredibly rash” to make changes without proper consultation with forces.
Mr Burnham told reporters: “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point.
“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, perhaps 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 from others.”
In common with rules affecting stadia across the top divisions, Albion fans are currently not allowed to drink in view of the pitch.
Alcohol is served in the concourses, hospitality areas and at The Terrace, the sports bar next to the stadium which opened 18 months ago and has proved hugely popular before and after games.
Blinds are brought down in hospitality areas with a view of the pitch when the game starts.
However, fans WERE allowed to drink at a WSL game at the Amex late last season during a trial lifting of the ban.
There was also a designated alcohol-free area for supporters.
Read more...
Hurzeler says Mitoma must have no doubts before Brighton return to action
No let-up during international break and this is best way to enjoy our coverage
Albion duo praised after Leicester's 6-1 EFL Trophy win but warned of hard work ahead
Albion are offering no comment or statement about Burnham’s comments at this stage.
It is likely they would want to balance the extra convenience for fans – and income for the club – with the potential nuisance of supporters leaving their seats at more regular intervals during the game.
Scenes of supporters at fan parks throwing beer when goals are scored have been shared with some of the coverage of Burnham’s comments.
It is unlikely that would happen in stands – and Albion had a strict policy banning the throwing of beer when they welcomed fans to The Terrace to watch England at this summer’s World Cup.
Worthing fans have been making an adjustment to their matchday routines since their side were promoted to the fifth tier National League top flight.
Until this season, beer on the terrace was a big part of the Worthing matchday for many fans.
That has now changed and was a talking point among supporters as their side clinched promotion.
Share