Let football fans drink alcohol in the stands again, demands Labour MP

FOOTBALL fans should be allowed to enjoy a pint in the stands while cheering on their team, an MP says.

Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiums to allow supporters to have alcoholic drinks.

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And the Football Supporters’ Association has given its backing to the call by the MP for York Outer.

Booze is currently prohibited from being consumed in sight of the pitch in the Premier League, English Football League and National League.

But it is permitted further down the football league pyramid — and in other countries, such as Germany.

Mr Charters said: “I think it’s time to reconsider the alcohol ban in view of the pitch, and at least try to run some trials of designated drinking zones.

“You can sit with a beer and watch the Bundesliga — so why can’t you have a pint while watching the Prem?

“As a dad, I think it’s right that some parts of the ground should probably stay booze-free.

“But let’s have a common-sense conversation about what we can do to make the matchday experience better — and back our great local breweries in the process.”

The FSA backed Mr Charters’ call for drinking zone trials and said: “In the past, this is actually something many clubs have called for too.”

Alcohol can be sold on the concourse at games before and during matches but cannot be taken in to the stands.

The ban has been in place in the men’s game since 1985.

But trials allowing the consumption of alcohol in view of the pitch have taken place in the women’s game, which is not covered by the ban.

Southampton, Birmingham City, Bristol City and Newcastle United took part this season.

Mr Charters also tore into ticket prices and wants the £30 cap for away fans in the Premier League extended to the EFL and National League.

He said: “Whether it’s clubs canning concessions or FA Cup Final ticket prices flying up, this fleecing of fans is blighting our beautiful game.”

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Football fans enjoy terrace drinking in 1984, one year before the ban[/caption]