UK Prime Minister Hints at Lifting 40-Year Soccer Beer Ban

WHO:

CBS News - UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham

CNN - UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPC)

CNN - Tom Greatrex, president of the Football Supporters’ Association

WHAT:

CBS News - Andy Burnham suggested that the 40-year ban on alcohol in stadium bleachers at men's soccer matches is "discrimination."

CNN - The Sporting Events Act 1985, which introduced the alcohol ban, was enacted to combat violence in soccer.

CNN - The Football Supporters’ Association called the Sports Events Act of 1985 "outdated."

WHERE:

CBS News - The comments were made while Burnham was at the United Nations in New York.

CNN - The ban applies to the top five tiers of English soccer.

WHY:

CNN - Burnham stated that it is "not fair for football fans to be singled out" as they can drink in other sports like rugby, tennis, and cricket.

CNN - The original legislation was introduced due to alcohol being a "major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behavior."

HOW:

CNN - Burnham mentioned that the repeal of the ban could happen on a trial basis.

CNN - The UKFPC expressed concerns that any changes to the law would pose "challenges" to the safety of staff and fans at football games.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently suggested that the 40-year ban on alcohol in stadium bleachers at men's soccer matches is discriminatory, making these comments while at the United Nations in New York. The Football Supporters’ Association has called the Sports Events Act of 1985, which introduced the alcohol ban to combat violence in soccer, outdated, arguing that it's unfair for football fans to be singled out when spectators at other sports can enjoy drinks. Burnham proposed that the repeal of the ban could occur on a trial basis, although the UK Football Policing Unit expressed concerns about potential safety challenges for staff and fans at football games.