Ban on drinking alcohol whilst watching football matches in UK could soon be lifted

It is an activity that has been banned in football stadiums across the UK since 1985, but drinking alcohol whilst enjoying the match could soon return if recommendations from a fan-led review are accepted by the UK Government.

Drinking alcohol within view of the pitch was banned at a time the game in the UK was heavily affected by hooliganism.

However, Conservative MP Tracey Crouch hopes to construct an independent review into developing a pilot scheme to allow drinking in the top division of the National League as well as League Two.

During an interview with The Times, Crouch noted that the timing of the review was not ideal given the scenes witnessed in and around Wembley Stadium at the Euro 2020 final earlier this year, but explained how she believed the UK’s view on alcohol and football was “outdated” and that forcing people into drinking quickly in a short space of time during the half time interval is an unhealthy aspect of football fan’s relationship with alcohol.

The review, which is chaired by Crouch, was established following the controversial collapse of the European Super League in April.