Story perspectives

Burnham Pushes to Scrap Stadium Alcohol Ban

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for scrapping the ban on drinking in stadium stands.
The Football Supporters' Association backed Burnham, calling the ban outdated and discriminatory.
UK Football Policing Unit warned lifting ban could threaten fan and staff safety.
The policing unit clarified it does not link the 1989 Hillsborough disaster to alcohol.
The 1985 Sporting Events Control of Alcohol Act still bans drinking in sight of the pitch.

History

Historical Context

On 15 April 1989 a crush at Sheffield’s Hillsborough Stadium killed 96 Liverpool fans and injured 766, prompting Lord Justice Taylor’s 1990 inquiry into South Yorkshire Police. The Taylor Report condemned police control failures and led to the removal of fenced terraces and the introduction of all-seater stadiums across England’s top leagues. Those safety reforms still shape current debates over alcohol bans at matches.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for scrapping the ban on drinking in stadium stands.
The Football Supporters' Association backed Burnham, calling the ban outdated and discriminatory.
UK Football Policing Unit warned lifting ban could threaten fan and staff safety.
The policing unit clarified it does not link the 1989 Hillsborough disaster to alcohol.
The 1985 Sporting Events Control of Alcohol Act still bans drinking in sight of the pitch.

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