Potential UK Prime Minister hints at major change to 41‑year alcohol law inside football stadiums

Andy Burnham has suggested that the long-standing ban on football supporters drinking alcohol within sight of the pitch could be reviewed if he becomes Prime Minister.

The comments have reopened the debate over whether laws introduced more than 40 years ago remain appropriate for the modern matchday experience.

Andy Burnham could lift alcohol ban inside stadiums if he becomes PM

Burnham raised the issue while attending rugby league's Magic Weekend at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where supporters were permitted to drink alcohol in their seats.

In a video posted on social media, Burnham pointed towards Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram holding a pint and questioned why supporters could drink in the stands for rugby league but would be unable to do the same from the same seat during an Everton match.

Current legislation prevents supporters from consuming alcohol within direct sight of the pitch at men's football matches.

The law was introduced in 1985 amid widespread concerns over hooliganism and crowd disorder.

🚨 Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham seemingly backs legalising alcohol in view of the pitch at football stadiums. Burnham: “There's something wrong — I think we need to look at that.”

Women’s Super League and WSL 2 fans are permitted to drink alcohol in view of the pitch,… https://t.co/imGwOTDjiV

— Bobby Manzi (@BobbyManzi) July 5, 2026

However, similar restrictions do not apply to sports including rugby, cricket and tennis.

Women's Super League (WSL) supporters have also been allowed to drink alcohol in their seats following a successful trial at selected clubs.

Labour MP Luke Charters backed Burnham's comments, having previously called for a trial of alcohol consumption in football stands.

He argued that the sport has changed significantly since the restrictions were introduced and questioned why football supporters continue to be treated differently from fans attending other sports.

Burnham's comments do not amount to a firm policy commitment, but they suggest the issue could be considered if he reaches Downing Street.

FGG says: Alcohol ban deserves a wider trial before change

Football has changed enormously since the alcohol restrictions were introduced in the mid-1980s, and the widespread hooliganism that shaped many of the laws surrounding match-going supporters is no longer present on the same scale.

However, immediately removing the ban across every ground would be a major step. A broader trial across different leagues, stadium sizes and types of fixtures would provide a clearer picture of whether drinking in seats can be introduced without creating additional problems for supporters, stewards and clubs.

The successful WSL trial offers an obvious reference point, but men's football presents different crowd sizes and challenges.

A properly monitored trial period would be a sensible way to establish whether a 41-year-old law has finally run its course.