Will alcohol soon return to the stands at English stadiums?

England is a football nation with its many iconic stadiums and 92 professional clubs.

Alcohol consumption around football matches is a major and inseparable part of the discussion.

A ban on consuming alcohol in the stands since 1985.

Since 1985, the “Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985” has had a major impact on football matches in England and Wales.

This law prohibits the consumption and possession of alcohol in areas of the stadium that have a direct view of the pitch. It also prohibits entering the stadium with alcohol. This law applies to the first five divisions of English football : Premier League, EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two and National League.

The law was introduced during a particularly turbulent period marked by numerous incidents of violence in football stadiums.

English football supporters have therefore been unable to consume alcohol in the stands for more than 40 years. You can often see signs reading “No alcohol to be taken beyond this point” at many entrances to the stands.

This law also partly explains the recurring sight of English stands filling up within moments of kick-off, as supporters consume alcohol outside the stadium or away from the stands before returning to their seats.

A “discrimination” according to the British Prime Minister.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham considers this law to be “discrimination”, as reported by the BBC.

During his trip to New York this week, he was asked about the issue. “I think this legislation dates back to a time when football was very different, and I believe there is a case for removing this discrimination. There are different ways of doing so. For example, it could be done on a trial basis.”

Indeed, it is generally possible to consume alcohol in the stands during other events at the same stadiums, such as rugby matches or concerts, but not during football matches.

This is a position he had already expressed in the past, as an Everton season-ticket holder and football fan.

The issue is generating plenty of debate, with police in particular issuing numerous warnings about the safety implications and the major impact alcohol can have on supporters’ behaviour.

Test matches in Scotland.

Scotland has its own legislation and has banned the sale of alcohol at stadiums since 1981 for certain events, including football matches, although rugby is generally not affected.

After 40 years of prohibition, trials were carried out at some stadiums last season, notably in Aberdeen, with a controlled system allowing alcohol consumption only in concourse areas.

Following these trials, Aberdeen became the first Scottish club to obtain a permanent licence to sell and allow the consumption of alcohol in the lower concourse of the Richard Donald Stand during the 2026/2027 season, under a strict framework:

• Alcohol sales only until 30 minutes before kick-off.
• Alcohol consumption only in designated areas with no view of the pitch.
• Alcohol will only be sold for fixtures considered to be low-risk.

Following the British Prime Minister’s comments, will the debate over alcohol in English and Welsh football stands be reignited? To be continued!