A proposal to repeal the ban on consuming alcohol in football stands could jeopardise improvements in fan behaviour, a close ally of Andy Burnham has cautioned.
The Prime Minister had stated that supporters of English men’s football are subject to unfair restrictions, noting that spectators watching other sports are permitted to drink during matches.
Enacted during the peak of concerns over hooliganism in the 1980s, the restriction applies across the top five tiers of the English men's game under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live on Thursday, Education Secretary Lucy Powell observed that matchday environments have transformed over recent decades, citing the introduction of safe standing as evidence of positive change.
"I go to the football most weekends with my young son and, you know, 30 years ago that probably wouldn’t have been all that comfortable an environment for a mum and their child to go to, but things have changed significantly," Ms Powell said.
"And that’s why we’ve been able to reintroduce safe standing, for example, which is something that fans want.
"So I think it’s a conversation we need to have to make sure that we keep the great atmosphere."
Noting that "we don’t see bad behaviour" at rugby, cricket and other sporting events where alcohol is sold, she added: "I think we need to do this in consort with fans and with football, so that we make sure we keep the really good atmosphere, the good behaviour, and we don’t put that at risk."
The proposed changes have drawn warnings from law enforcement representatives, who urged caution over altering existing laws. A spokesman for the UK Football Policing Unit confirmed police leaders would welcome a meeting with Mr Burnham to "explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of staff and fans".
The spokesman added: "Other sports simply don’t see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour.
"It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games."
Highlighting that statutory measures implemented after the Taylor Report have led to the longest period without a major football disaster, the spokesman said: "It would be incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners who have the expertise in this area."
However, Mr Burnham, an Everton supporter, argued that the rules are discriminatory, outdated, and belong to "an era when football was very different".
He previously highlighted the issue shortly before entering No 10 in July while attending a rugby league fixture at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium alongside Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram.
Pointing to fans holding pints of beer, Mr Burnham remarked: "How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at an Everton home game? Something wrong there. I think we need to look at that."
Defending his stance, Mr Burnham told reporters: "I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point.
"I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different. And I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination. There are different ways it could be done, perhaps on a trial basis.
"But I’m not going to back away from what’s been a long-held view of mine. I don’t see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently from others."
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) welcomed the Prime Minister’s remarks, pointing to successful trials in the women's game. FSA chairman Tom Greatrex said: "The FSA has always argued that it’s unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match – especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league.
"Many clubs are in favour as well. WSL and WSL2 ran a successful pilot, meaning fans can now drink in the stands at many grounds, while the EFL has long supported a trial.
"We welcome the Prime Minister’s comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed. We look forward to being part of that consultation."
Senior Conservative Helen Whately said her party would examine the proposals thoroughly. Speaking during a visit to south London, the shadow work and pensions secretary told the Press Association: "We will have to look at what the Prime Minister is suggesting on alcohol at football matches.
"Of course, I understand that if you’re going to a football match, you might want to have a drink while you’re there. That hasn’t been possible in recent years because of safety, but I understand that Government’s going to be looking at it again."
