Speaking to reporters in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, Burnham – a lifelong Everton supporter – said the legislation that bars alcohol consumption in the top five tiers of English men’s football dates back to an era when the sport was very different and should be reconsidered on a trial basis.
The ban, introduced in 1985 after the Heysel Stadium disaster that left 39 dead, has kept alcohol sales confined to areas away from the pitch for more than four decades, even as stadium safety has improved through all‑seat venues, CCTV and tighter policing.
A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit warned that alcohol remains a significant factor in football‑related violence and called it “irresponsible to fuel this” by permitting drinking during matches, urging a thorough review before any changes.
Burnham pointed to a recent trial in the English Women’s Super League during the 2025‑26 season, where supporters were allowed to drink in view of the pitch; a post‑match survey found 90 % of fans felt the games stayed safe and family‑friendly.
To make the proposal permanent, the government would need to amend the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985, a change that requires a majority in Parliament and could face opposition from both police and some lawmakers.
The proposal comes months after Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer as prime minister in July, pledging to broaden Labour’s appeal amid a challenge from Nigel Farage’s anti‑immigration Reform UK, which has gained traction among blue‑collar voters.
Burnham noted that other UK sports such as rugby and cricket already allow alcohol in the stands, and highlighted that while German fans can drink beer during games, countries like Spain and France maintain strict stadium alcohol bans.