Story perspectives

Burnham backs lifting 1985 stadium alcohol ban after consults

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 2:03 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said supporters should be allowed to drink alcohol inside England and Wales stadiums.
Burnham called the 1985 ban discriminatory and said any change would need extensive consultation.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act of 1985 prohibits drinking in view of the pitch at football grounds.
The UK Football Policing Unit warned alcohol fuels disorder and will meet the prime minister if the ban relaxes.

History

Historical Context

The 29 May 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster killed 39 fans and injured 600, prompting Margaret Thatcher’s government to pass the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act that banned visible alcohol at English pitches. Decades later, Prime Minister Andy Burnham calls for reviewing that ban as the UK Football Policing Unit warns relaxed rules could revive hooliganism.

1 of 2

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said supporters should be allowed to drink alcohol inside England and Wales stadiums.
Burnham called the 1985 ban discriminatory and said any change would need extensive consultation.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act of 1985 prohibits drinking in view of the pitch at football grounds.
The UK Football Policing Unit warned alcohol fuels disorder and will meet the prime minister if the ban relaxes.

1 / 2