12.10.2026 15:10
The lifting of the ban on alcohol consumption in football stands in England and Wales, which has been enforced since 1985, has come onto the agenda. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the 41-year-old regulation as "unfair, outdated and discriminatory" and argued that it should be changed. While the possible change has sparked debate among football fans, safety concerns have also been brought back onto the agenda.
A 41-year-old regulation banning alcohol consumption while watching the pitch from the stands at football matches in England and Wales has been reopened for debate. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced that he wants the ban in force since 1985 to be lifted.
Burnham's statement raised the possibility of a new regulation that could lead to a change in stand culture in English football.
IT CAME INTO FORCE 41 YEARS AGO
In England, the ban on alcohol consumption in the stands was implemented in 1985 during the government of Margaret Thatcher. The decision was influenced by the violent incidents in the FA Cup match played between Luton Town and Millwall. The deaths of 39 people at Heysel Stadium in Belgium the same year also accelerated measures for football safety.
With the law enacted, alcohol consumption was banned in stand areas where the football pitch can be seen. The regulation, however, did not completely prevent the sale and consumption of alcohol in certain indoor areas of stadiums.
FANS' MATCH-DAY HABITS DID NOT CHANGE
Despite the ban, alcohol consumption before and after matches in English football continued to be a common habit. While fans gathered in bars around the stadium before matches, some football fans headed to sales areas under the stands at half-time.
This brought with it assessments that, although the ban limited alcohol consumption in the stands, it did not completely change match-day habits.
SECURITY CONCERNS BACK ON THE AGENDA
The proposal to lift the ban also reignited discussions about stadium safety. The incidents around Wembley Stadium during the Euro 2020 final are cited as one of the prominent examples of fan safety in English football.
According to data from the UK Home Office, in the 2025-2026 season, the number of matches with reported football-related violence, disorder and antisocial behaviour increased by 4 percent compared to the previous season, reaching 1,644. The fact that a significant portion of police interventions and detentions took place outside stadiums also revealed that security debates are not limited solely to the stands.
ALL EYES ON A POSSIBLE LAW CHANGE
After Andy Burnham's call, whether the 41-year-old regulation will be changed became a matter of curiosity. In order to lift the ban, changes must be made to current legislation. The debate is expected to continue in the coming period among football authorities, security units and political decision-makers.