Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reportedly 'flirted' with the idea of lifting the ban that prevents football fans from drinking alcohol in view of the pitch. This potential change could impact how sporting fandom is measured, according to Ben McMahon.
The current regulations contrast with other sports, where alcohol consumption is permitted in stadiums. For example, attendees at NFL games at Wembley Stadium can drink, as can rugby league fans at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The ban on alcohol at football matches in view of the pitch was introduced in 1985, following a period in the 1970s and 80s when football was associated with hooliganism and violence, often linked to alcohol. Since the ban, the sport's culture has changed, with football-related police action significantly decreasing. In the 1984-85 season, over 5,500 arrests were recorded at league matches, whereas today, there are approximately four incidents per 100,000 attendees.
The debate around reintroducing alcohol also considers the changing preferences of younger audiences, who are reportedly drinking differently, if at all, and expect more from live entertainment, such as stronger fan interactivity and digital integration.