Burnham finally comes up with a policy... to lift the booze ban on football terraces

• See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source

By JASON GROVES, POLITICAL EDITOR and REBECCA CAMBER, CRIME AND SECURITY EDITOR

Published: 22:01 BST, 23 September 2026 | Updated: 22:13 BST, 23 September 2026

Andy Burnham will push for an end to the football terrace booze ban – much to the fury of police chiefs.

The Prime Minister said it was time to end the 'discrimination' against football fans, in which they are banned from drinking alcohol in the stands.

Mr Burnham first floated the idea in July, shortly before becoming Prime Minister, but now has gone further by saying legislation designed to make matches safer is not 'fair'.

There was a backlash from police leaders on Wednesday who described the plans as 'rash and irresponsible', warning it could fuel an upsurge in violent disorder.

Former Tory sports minister Tracey Crouch first proposed trials in the lower leagues in 2021 after the idea of lifting the ban was backed by a fan-led review.

And in June, it was announced that Women's Super League clubs would now permit fans alcohol in the stands following successful trials. 

Supporters have previously highlighted the double standard compared with other sports as fans of cricket and rugby in the UK – or football in many other countries – can drink in their seats without issue.

Andy Burnham will push for an end to the football terrace booze ban – much to the fury of police chiefs

The Prime Minister said it was time to end the 'discrimination' against football fans, in which they are banned from drinking alcohol in the stands 

Now Mr Burnham, a lifelong Everton fan, has signalled he wants to press ahead with a review of the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985.

Speaking to reporters while travelling in the United States this week, he suggested the football hooligan culture had improved since the 1980s, adding: 'I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out in that way. 

'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. It could happen on a trial basis. But I'm not going to back away from what's been a long-held view of mine.'

Government sources said the policy would be reviewed with a view to lifting it. But any move to scrap the ban would risk raising questions about the PM's priorities.

The policy could also reinforce his blokeish image. Some aides have warned his social media focus on beer, pubs and football risks alienating parts of the electorate.

On Wednesday the UK Football Policing Unit called for a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the potential risks to the safety of fans, staff and police at football games.

A spokesman said: '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.

'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.'

The Government is also tabling legislation designed to lift the ban on Catholic prime ministers nominating Church of England bishops – an area the Prime Minister says there is discrimination against Catholics such as himself.