On September 24, according to The Guardian, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham hinted that he might lift the ban on alcohol consumption in football stands. He stated that it was "unfair" to single out only football fans, as spectators are allowed to drink at other sports events.

The British Prime Minister, a loyal Everton fan who still attends matches, said there was reason to lift the ban through pilot programs, allowing football to enjoy the same treatment as rugby and cricket.

The proposal was welcomed by the Football Supporters' Association and the English Football League (EFL), but police warned that making changes without considering safety implications would be "extremely reckless."

Burnham has long opposed the ban, viewing it as discriminatory and outdated, reminiscent of an era when drinking in stadium stands fueled football hooliganism. When asked about it by reporters on a special flight to New York, Burnham said: "I don't think it's fair to single out football fans for special treatment. I've raised this point before. This legislation belongs to a completely different era of football, and I do believe there is reason to eliminate this discrimination."

"There are many ways to move forward, such as starting with pilot programs. But I will not abandon my long-held position. It makes no sense for sports fans to be treated differently."

The Sports Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act, enacted in 1985, strictly prohibits alcohol consumption within sight of the stands at stadiums in England and Wales.

A fan-led review of football governance in 2021 called for a re-examination of the ban and suggested piloting alcohol sales in stands at lower-league football matches in England.

A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit, which coordinates football policing policy in England and Wales, said: "The UK Football Policing Unit welcomes meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss his views and to explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of stadium staff and fans."

"Other sports simply do not experience the same level of fan violence and crime seen in football – although this involves only a small minority – and alcohol often plays a role in fueling violent and disorderly behavior. Allowing more drinking during matches would only encourage this trend and would be irresponsible."

"Following several football-related tragedies, legislative changes were made for good reason following the Taylor Report (published in 1990, which investigated the causes of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989). We are currently in the longest period in history without a major football-related disaster. Making fundamental changes without a comprehensive review of evidence and full consultation with police officers with frontline experience would be extremely reckless."

An English Football League (EFL) spokesperson said the league would maintain an "open mind" about reviewing the regulations, which were "introduced over 40 years ago and have not kept pace with significant developments in stadium management, safety, and in-venue services."

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Football Supporters' Association, said: "The FSA has always believed that it is unfair for football fans to be treated as criminals for having a beer while watching a game – especially when you can drink at an Oasis concert or a rugby match while sitting in the same seat. We welcome the Prime Minister's comments and fully agree that this regulation is outdated and should be reviewed. We look forward to participating in the relevant consultations."

Since the start of this season, fans have been allowed to drink alcohol within sight of the stands in the Women's Super League (WSL) and the Women's Championship (the second tier of women's football). A successful 18-month pilot program led to the WSL amending its rules this summer to allow – but not require – clubs to offer this option to fans.

Since the rule change, 25 of the 26 clubs in the top two tiers of English women's football have decided to implement this practice at all home matches. The only exception is Brighton Women's home matches at Broadfield Stadium in Crawley, although Brighton already allows fans to drink in the stands during home matches at the Amex Stadium, such as last Sunday's match against Aston Villa. Fan disturbances are generally less common at women's football matches.

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