The ban on drinking at football grounds in England and Wales has been in place since the Sporting Events Control of Alcohol Act was introduced in 1985. This law impacts clubs in the Premier League down to the National League, with fans only allowed to consume alcohol in areas that do not have a view of the pitch. However, fans who support teams in the National League North and South and below can drink alcohol around the pitch.
The Women's Super League in England has already removed the rule preventing drinking in the stands, with the league's governing company, WSL Football, allowing fans to consume alcohol in the stands. This decision was made possible because the Women's Super League is not governed by the Sporting Events Control of Alcohol Act.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has long held the view that the law is outdated and that football fans are singled out compared to those of other sports and events. He believes that relaxing the law would be more popular the further down the leagues you go, where alcohol sales could potentially provide a crucial additional income stream.
The English Football League has issued a statement saying it would be "receptive to discussions around reviewing the current legislation". This follows a statement from Premier League chief executive Richard Masters in August, who said the competition had not "got a specific view" and "we'd need to give it some really careful thought". The English Football League will now engage in discussions with clubs and stakeholders to review the current legislation.