New PM Andy Burnham actively considering letting football fans drink in stands again

ANDY Burnham’s Government is actively considering letting football fans drink in the stands again. Officials are considering whether to review restrictions which stop people consuming alcohol in view of the pitch. A review is set to consider whether football fans should be permitted to drink alcohol in the stands Credit: Getty Football fans have been able to drink abroad in the stands at international tournaments – but cannot in the UK Credit: Getty The ban was introduced in 1985 to stop football hooligans fighting. Other sports like rugby were not affected. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! A government spokesperson said: “We are considering the case being made by some clubs and supporter groups for reviewing the current restrictions on alcohol consumption at football matches. “The safety of football fans remains our priority, and any future consideration of changes would need to be evidence-led and informed by the views of policing and safety authorities, as well as clubs, supporters and other partners across the football sector.” It comes just weeks after the new Prime Minister said it was “wrong” that spectators could not enjoy a pint during matches. Everton fan Mr Burnham made the comments while watching a rugby league match at the club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the ban on booze at football matches is ‘wrong’ Credit: PA Football fans have been banned from boozing in the stands in stadiums in the UK since the 1980s Credit: Getty In a social media clip while holding a pint, he said: “How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at an Everton home game? “There’s something wrong there, we need to take a look at that.” Most read in Sport This week the new Prime Minister announced that pubs, social clubs and live music venues will be given a 20 per cent cut to business rates from April. Landlords welcomed the change but called on the Labour leader to go further by slashing VAT on boozers too. The new Prime Minister insisted he was ready to protect “working-class culture” – in a win for The Sun’s Save Our Sups campaign. More than 30,000 venues will save an estimated £1,100 each in the next financial year from the business rates cut. Comment now