Andy Burnham says drinking ban at football matches should be lifted

He said banning fans from drinking in stands is ‘discrimination’

Speaking to reporters, Burnham suggested a change could be trialled.

“I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out”, the prime minister said.

For clubs in the top five tiers of men’s football in England, laws are in place which don’t allow drinking in the stands.

While this restriction is in place for football matches in said tiers, it doesn’t apply to other sports in the country.

As per the Football Supporters' Association (FSA), the “outdated” legislation should be reviewed.

However, against relaxing the law is something that police chiefs have warned as they said they would like to meet the prime minister to “explain the challenges”.

Burnham (then mayor) during a Premier League clash between Everton and Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium in May 2026. Credit: Getty Images

What the restriction means and for how long it has been in place

In 1985, Margaret Thatcher’s government introduced the legislation for English and Welsh football ground.

Alcohol was a “major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour” in football grounds, then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan said at the time.

As an avid football fan and season-ticket holder at Everton, it looks like Burnham might fancy a pint or two at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Burnham in fact criticised the restriction soon before becoming PM, following a rugby league game at Everton’s stadium.

It was possible for supporters to have a drink in the stands in that game.

However, months later, Burnham was asked again if this was still his view as he spoke to reporters during his trip to the United Nations in New York.

Andy Burnham buys a pint of Guinness during a campaign event in June 2026. Credit: Getty Images

“I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different”, Burnham said.

“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”, he added.

“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”, he told reporters.

As per the BBC, according to government sources, rather than making any sort of policy announcement, the prime minister was was restating an opinion that he has long held.

Inside government, Burnham’s comments are not being seen as an indication that he’s looking to change the law.

In Scotland, meanwhile, the law is more restrictive, as the general sale of alcohol has been prohibited in football stadiums since 1981.

That said, trial sales have been taking place recently and fans can now buy alcohol at Hampden Park games.