U.K. prime minister teases possible return of booze to soccer matches
Summary
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested possibly allowing alcohol in the stands at men's high-level soccer matches, reversing a ban from 1985. The ban was introduced to reduce violent behavior linked to alcohol at soccer games, but fans still can drink in concourse areas during breaks.Key Facts
- The alcohol ban in men's soccer stands in England and Wales started in 1985 under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
- The ban was introduced because alcohol was seen as a major cause of violence at soccer matches.
- Fans can still buy and drink alcohol in concourse areas before and during halftime but not at their seats.
- Other sports in the U.K. do not have this ban on alcohol in the stands.
- Women’s top soccer league in England started allowing alcohol in stands recently after a pilot program.
- Prime Minister Burnham, a regular soccer fan, calls the ban unfair and suggests a trial to lift it.
- Police and football officials warn that alcohol contributes to disorderly behavior in soccer and advise caution on changing the law.
- The ban was also a response to serious incidents of soccer hooliganism in the 1970s and 1980s, including deaths linked to violent crowd behavior.
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