Andy Burnham ‘set for football booze ban U-turn’ after police advised Prime Minister AGAINST new policy

Andy Burnham will reportedly drop plans to lift a ban on fans drinking alcohol in the stands at men’s football matches.

The Prime Minister, a keen football fan, had claimed earlier this month that the ban was ‘discrimination’.

According to Sky News, Burnham has since been advised police forces would have claimed clubs would need to pay for extra policing if the ban was lifted.

The additional financial burden being placed on teams who would be unable to afford it has reportedly contributed to the proposal being scrapped.

Burnham, an Everton fan, had said before entering Downing Street that he believed the ban was wrong.

He had highlighted how fans watching rugby league at Everton’s Hill Dickinson stadium were able to drink alcohol in the stands. 

Burnham reiterated his view when speaking to reporters on his trip to the United Nations in New York last week.

‘I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different,’ he 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.

‘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.’

The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales.

The legislation was introduced due to concerns about hooliganism.

Former Conservative sports minister Tracey Crouch first proposed trials in the lower leagues in 2021 after the idea of lifting the ban was backed by a fan-led review.

And in June, it was announced that Women’s Super League clubs would now permit fans alcohol in the stands following successful trials.

Last week, the UK Football Policing Unit called for a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the potential risks to the safety of fans, staff and police at football games.

A spokesman said: ‘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.

‘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.’

Speaking to Sky News in August, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the top flight ‘has not got a specific view on that topic’ and stressed it would need to be given ‘careful thought’.

The EFL said in a statement it would be ‘receptive to discussions around reviewing the current legislation’.