Photo via Sky Sports

Drinking ban at football matches could be scrapped, says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reiterated his desire to lift the long-standing prohibition on consuming alcoholic beverages within football stadium seating areas. Speaking while attending United Nations proceedings in New York, the Everton supporter argued that the 1985 restriction unfairly targets soccer supporters compared to followers of other sports.

Burnham suggested the policy could potentially be rolled back through an initial trial phase.

In response to the remarks, the UK Football Policing Unit requested a meeting with the Prime Minister to voice safety concerns. Police representatives cautioned that the sport continues to face higher levels of crowd disorder and violence involving alcohol compared to other athletic disciplines, warning that relaxing the rules could exacerbate these challenges.