With the Government's Football Regulator Bill heading into its
final stages, the Conservatives are today [Tuesday 8th July]
urging ministers to consult on scrapping the outdated rule
banning alcohol in football stands, a move that could deliver a
vital revenue boost for lower-league sides and bring the matchday
experience in line with other major sports.
Football is now a family-friendly game, with packed stadiums,
safer crowds and a modern fan culture. Clubs and supporters say
it's time for the law to catch up.
Fans are trusted to enjoy a pint at other sports so this should
be applied to football too. This ban is stuck in the 80s and it
is time to back responsible fans and boost our clubs.
The law was first introduced in to tackle terrace hooliganism,
but times have changed, and the Conservatives believe the
matchday experience should reflect that.
The Conservatives are calling on the Government to launch a
formal consultation as part of the Football Regulator Bill,
ensuring fans have their say on the future of alcohol in the
stands.
MP, Shadow Minister for
Sport, said:
“British football today is unrecognisable from the hooliganism of
the 1980s. Thanks to the efforts of the FA, National League, EFL,
and Premier League, the game is now a global success story,
drawing the world's best players and fans, contributing £8
billion to the economy, supporting 90,000 jobs, and welcoming 1.5
million international visitors each season.
“Yet fans are still subject to a legacy alcohol ban that no
longer fits the modern game. Current rules force supporters to
drink before kick-off or at half-time, creating bottlenecks,
crowding, and safety concerns. We've listened to clubs and fans,
especially in the lower leagues, and are urging the Government to
end this outdated, two-tier treatment of football supporters
through its Football Governance Bill.
“At the same time, the Conservatives are raising serious concerns
over the scope of the new Football Regulator's powers, which risk
breaching UEFA rules. We also question the politicised
appointment of a Labour donor as Chair. Football must remain
independent of Government and free from political influence.''
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The text of the amendment is as follows:
To move the following Clause —
“Alcohol at football grounds
Within one year of the passing of this Act the Secretary of State
must consult on lifting the ban on consuming alcohol in view of
the pitch in the top five tiers of the men's game in England.”
