Do football fans really want alcohol back in the terraces?

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FT Desk

United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham has long held the view that football fans should be allowed to drink alcohol in the stands at matches in the same way that, say, rugby fans are.

He was asked about this on a recent trip to the United Nations and he said:

“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.”

Alcohol is currently banned from the stands at football matches in England mainly because of concerns about crowd disorder and football hooliganism. During the 1970s and 1980s, football matches were associated with significant violence and disorder, and the government introduced stricter rules to improve safety at stadiums.

Having been hit with a pint thrown from the upper tier when Watkins scored against the Netherlands in Dortmund at Euro 2024, I don’t think this is a good idea. https://t.co/7xvKwviOYK

— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) September 24, 2026

The main law is the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985. It makes it an offence to consume alcohol in view of the playing area at designated football matches. This means fans can usually buy alcohol inside a stadium, but they must drink it in areas such as concourses or hospitality areas where the pitch cannot be accessed.

Burnham's words suggest a change in policy may come in the future but in 2025 MPs rejected an amendment to the Football Governance Bill that would have seen ministers launch a formal consultation on getting rid of the rule.

The rule stretches from the Premier League down to the National League. From there down in the pyramid, alcohol is allowed.

Do the fans themselves want alcohol back?

"I think it is outdated," Football Supporters' Association chairman Tom Greatrex told BBC Radio 4.

"If you go to watch football in Germany or in other places around the world, then it's perfectly acceptable.

"It is civilised and appropriate. There's no reason why that shouldn't be the case for football fans, as it is for fans of rugby league, watching Oasis, or anything else that happens often in the same stadiums in the same seats."

The UK Football Policing Unit rejected the suggestion, arguing alcohol plays "a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour" and that "other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behaviour" that football does.

"[The police] were telling everybody that we couldn't have standing at football again, that it would jeopardise safety," Greatrex said.

"Actually, what we saw then was a controlled, managed pilot projects to get that re-established.

"There hasn't been the level of disorder that some of the police sources were saying there would be. I think the police should have more of an open mind and engage in this in a sensible and mature way."

Not every fan believes it's a good idea to bring back, however, as plenty fear situations like beer being thrown up and down the stands.

Dave, a Chelsea fan, told BBC 5 Live he was "100% against it".

"Have a look at some of the footage you see on social media at Boxpark, for instance. A goal goes in and there is beer and lager thrown everywhere," he said.

"I don't want to go round stinking of other people's beer and there is a fashion among certain supporters to throw their beer everywhere.

"If people can't go without drink for a 45-minute period there is something the matter with them."

Adrian, from Leicester, claimed it would be the "worst idea you could come up with".

"There is enough trouble with other things in football, with the flares, drug taking and other things," he added. "You throw the alcohol in as well. Football is tribal whereas other sports they aren't."

The culture elsewhere

German football expert Ronan Murphy explains the alcohol culture in Germany in relation to football matches:

"Bundesliga football has positioned itself as the perfect fan experience. Travel to a German city for the weekend with some friends, take in some sights and then have beer and sausages in the stands while watching the football. It a relatively inexpensive and wonderful way to spend a weekend.

"When the Bundesliga was the first major league to return during the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of things were taken into consideration such as social distancing and covid checks, but one of the major sticking points between the DFL and supporter groups was the ban on beer. Such is the connection between alcohol and football, that some of the teams even complained.

"A beer in the stands is part of the experience. And Germans are particularly fond of their beers too, so when a goal is scored, there are no Boxpark scenes. They won't throw their beers in the air. It's there to be drank, and can usually bought with a Bratwurst in a combo for €3.80. Bargain."

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FT Desk

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