British prime minister wants to reconsider alcohol ban at…

British prime minister wants to reconsider alcohol ban at football

26.09.2026 08:02 HotInfo

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has questioned the ban on drinking alcohol in the stands of English football stadiums. He spoke about the issue during a visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. idnes.cz ↗

The rules, which have been in force in England for decades, prohibit fans from consuming alcohol in the stands during a match. Under certain conditions, they can buy alcohol within the stadium grounds, but they may not drink it in the areas designated for watching the game during the match itself. Tagesspiegel ↗

Burnham described the current arrangement as discriminatory and unfair. In his view, there is reason to discuss whether the ban should be kept in its present form. The prime minister also said that the question of alcohol at football matches deserves a broader political and public debate. ORF ↗

A fan organisation welcomed Burnham's stance. Police representatives, however, were critical of a possible abolition or relaxation of the ban. Security forces have long been involved in overseeing football matches, and a change in the rules would also affect the work of the units responsible for maintaining order at stadiums. Der Standard ↗

It is not yet clear whether the government will prepare a concrete proposal to change the law. The debate may concern the extent of permitted alcohol sales and consumption, as well as security conditions in the stands. The way forward is to be decided by political discussion and consultations with fans, clubs and the police.