Alcohol returning to the terraces?

Across several media websites this weekend it was reported that the Rt Hon Luke Charters, MP for Outer York has called for a reconsideration of the long-standing alcohol ban within sight of the playing surface during football games contested in the top five tiers of the men’s games.

Mr Charters, elected for Labour at the 2024 election, called for a ‘modern approach’ towards alcohol, which was banned in 1985 from the terraces following several infamous incidents of hooliganism across the Country and Europe.

In recent years, the reintroduction of standing sections at football stadiums has been successfully trialled, seeing the reintroduction of standing sections in many arenas.

Although two distinct issues, the approach of questioning whether the status quo should go unchallenged is the same. The impact of the ban was considerable, and Authorities will not wish to see a slide back towards the disorder experienced in the 70’s & 80’s. Like any social issue, there are many different factors at play. Although the alcohol ban had a positive impact on other changes in society, football and modern stadiums have also had positive impacts on suppressing hooliganism.

Many sports fans will have noted that the alcohol ban is particular to football; and other sports, for example rugby, have no such ban.

We are interested to see whether Mr Charters’ calls will be considered by the Government and how any trials may be devised.