Police chief opposes end to football stadium drinking ban

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 09:37 · Archive

The national police lead for football says scrapping the ban on drinking in the stands would be a 'bad idea'.

The national police lead for football has opposed calls to end the ban on drinking in stadium stands. Mark Roberts, Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable and national lead for football policing since 2014, said it would be a 'bad idea' to reintroduce alcohol sales or consumption in sight of the pitch.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham proposed last month that the ban should be scrapped, describing it as unfair. Roberts said he would 'absolutely' urge policymakers against overturning the prohibition.

Roberts attributed football's improved safety record to the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985, which prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales in the top five men's leagues, as well as improvements in stadium facilities and better engagement with supporters. He warned that removing one element of safety provision risked 'unpicking it all'.

Roberts urged policymakers to listen to those who deal directly with safety issues at clubs and police. He noted that fans can drink before matches, at half-time and after, and said he had not observed widespread demand for in-stadium drinking. As a Manchester City supporter, he added that receiving a 'beer shampoo' when a goal was scored was 'not conducive to a great afternoon'.

Police chief opposes end to football stadium drinking ban — Image: Northwich Guardian

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How it is being reported

End to stadium drinking ban is a 'bad idea' says national police lead Mark RobertsIt would be a ‘bad idea’ to reintroduce drinking at football games, the national police lead for the sport has said.Northwich Guardian · 8 Oct, 09:22
End to stadium drinking ban is a 'bad idea' says national police lead Mark RobertsIt would be a ‘bad idea’ to reintroduce drinking at football games, the national police lead for the sport has said.Warrington Guardian · 8 Oct, 09:22
End to stadium drinking ban is a 'bad idea' says national police lead Mark RobertsIt would be a ‘bad idea’ to reintroduce drinking at football games, the national police lead for the sport has said.Chester Standard · 7 Oct, 18:47

In this story: Mark Roberts · Andy Burnham · Cheshire Constabulary · England and Wales

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