Andy Burnham suggests he’ll scrap ban on pints in football stadiums

Andy Burnham has suggested he would lift the ban on football supporters drinking booze in stadiums when he becomes Prime Minister.

A law banning fans from consuming alcohol anywhere within direct sight of the pitch has been in the books for more than 40 years, after being brought in to deter hooliganism.

But it only applies to men’s football, with attendees able to enjoy a tipple in their seats while watching any rugby, tennis or cricket match without restrictions.

And as of last month, fans at Women’s Super League football games are also able to drink following a successful trial at selected clubs.

In a video posted on X yesterday evening, Burnham congratulated Leigh Leopards on their rugby league victory against Warrington Wolves at Hill Dickinson stadium, the home of Everton FC.

Turning the camera towards Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram, who held up a pint of beer, the presumptive next PM asked: ‘How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at an Everton home game?

‘There’s something wrong there, I think we need to look at that.’

Labour MP and Burnham backer Luke Charters replied to offer his support to the idea, linking to coverage of his calls for a trial in May last year.

He said at the time: ‘Perhaps it is time for a modern approach to a modern game.

‘The days of hooliganism are gone. Fans of other sports can drink in the stands but football fans cannot.’

Legislation to bar spectators from drinking while watching football was introduced in 1985, after concerns over violence in the stands.

It does not prevent people from buying alcohol at bars within the stadium, but they are not allowed to take it back to their seats.

Burnham is expected to become the UK’s next Prime Minister on July 20, as long as Labour MPs opposed to a coronation are unable to coalesce around a challenger.

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