Drinking at football matches - would fans welcome it?

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The law permits supporters at stadiums from the Premier League to National League to drink alcohol outside the ground and in concourses, but not in their seats

Football issues correspondent Published 24 September 2026, 15:03 BST Updated 21 minutes ago When UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham embarked on his trip to the United Nations in New York, he might not have been expecting a question about football fans drinking alcohol in grounds.

Burnham firmly believes the law that prevents supporters from having a beer at their seat during a match is outdated.

It's a position the Everton supporter has long held, and when asked was happy to reaffirm.

"I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination," said Burnham, who feels football fans are singled out compared to those of other sports and events.