OtherEnds 25 Sept 8h 22m left
Should the law banning alcohol in football stands (Sporting Events Act 1985) be scrapped?
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 bans possession and consumption of alcohol in sight of the pitch at designated football grounds in England and Wales during top-tier men's matches. Introduced to tackle 1980s hooliganism, the law allows sales but requires drinking in concourses out of view. Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently called the restriction outdated and discriminatory compared to other sports, suggesting a trial to repeal it.
39 Opinions
You only have to wait 45 mins - get over it.
The law was brought in at a very different time, just like scrapping terracing it has become clearer later that maybe it wasn’t all about the fans but maybe the policing too. Go to any game and you’ll see lots of people drinking before the game, rushing down at half time to get another one, in some ways current legislation encourages binge drinking.
Yes, but for a trial period and at discretion of clubs/ground owners
It should be up to the ground owners. I put yes but personally wouldn't want it in stands End up covered in beer when score!
Yet another dim idea from Burnham.
I support Rangers FC I remember the Hampden Riot in 1980 and witnessed the same at Ibrox earlier this year. Alcohol consumption goes with the game but not in the Stadium
Just check the local pubs around football stadia pre-match or the fans falling out of trains to see that access to more alcohol is unnecessary for the enjoyment of the game. Removing the legal restriction simply encourages irresponsible drinking. That said, most corporate hospitality suites dont seem to be covered by the same restriction and alcohol is widely abused.
Does anyone remember the hooliganism of the 70's and 80's?
There needs to be a common sense approach to this. I'm a regular attendee at the Emirates which is probably not one where alcohol is a big problem but even there you get many people running in to down 2 or 3 pints at half time. It should be allowed to drink where there is a place to keep your cup, as the big worry is people throwing drinks like idiots. Instant bans/fines for the people who do this.
I’m sorry the aderaline of matches is enough for the behaviour of some fans to cause trouble sober anyway let’s not bring alcohol back into the issue. They can drink before and after anyway why bring in to the football.