The prime minister is right to identify that the existing ban on alcohol consumption at football matches is viewed by fans as discriminatory (Andy Burnham signals he may lift ban on alcohol in football stands, 23 September). However, the need for reform of this legislation goes much further.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 was rushed through parliament, despite reservations at the time from the police and football authorities, and the absence of any evidence that it would reduce football-related disorder. Since then, no studies have indicated that the prohibition has reduced drunkenness or disorder at matches, but research has demonstrated how the ban can increase risks to public order and safety.
Prohibitions on drinking in the stands probably increases pre-match binge drinking, as well as causing crushes at turnstiles and in concourses. And the equally important ban on alcohol consumption on chartered transport to matches pushes visiting fans who want to drink into town centres and on to already crowded scheduled train services.
It is time that this outdated and ill-informed piece of panic law is subjected to evidence-based review.
Prof Geoff Pearson
University of Manchester Law School
Marva Kreel (I love a drink in the stands, but Burnham’s beer proposal feels out of step with modern football, 25 September) fails to think about the impact on those living near football grounds when thousands of (possibly) inebriated fans spill forth into surrounding streets.
I remember people urinating and vomiting against my wall, sporadic fights and being afraid to go out. Since the ban, things have been much more civilised. The rights of some fans should not be prioritised over those of long-suffering residents.
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