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Burnham Calls Football Alcohol Ban ‘Discrimination’. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described the ban on football supporters drinking alcohol in the stands as "discrimination" and suggested a change to the rules could be trialled. Current laws prevent supporters from drinking alcohol within sight of the pitch at matches involving clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England. Similar restrictions do not apply to spectators at many other sports. The legislation was introduced by Margaret Thatcher's government in 1985 amid concerns about alcohol contributing to violence and disorder at football grounds. The Football Supporters' Association has called the rules outdated and wants them reviewed. However, police chiefs have warned against relaxing the restrictions and want to discuss their concerns with the prime minister. Burnham, an Everton season-ticket holder, said he did not believe it was fair for football supporters to be singled out.
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