Should football fans be allowed to drink in the stands? Poll of the Week
A review of a 40-year-old ban on football fans in England drinking alcohol in the stands at matches could be voted on by MPs today.
A ban was put in place for English professional football in 1985, but that legislation could potentially be overturned following a proposal by the Conservative party.
The review is among several amendments to the Football Governance Bill, over which MPs in the House of were holding a final debate on Tuesday.
'British football and the fan experience are unrecognisable from the widespread hooliganism of the 1980s,' Conservative shadow sports minister Louie French told City AM.
'The FA, National League, EFL and Premier League have all worked very hard to positively transform English football.
'But as football fans will know, we have this legacy ban which sees fans rushing to drink their beer both before kick-off and at half-time. This often leads to fans being delayed entering stadiums and overcrowding on concourses."
The amendment will only be put to the House for a vote if tabled by a minister and selected for a vote by the Speaker.
Meanwhile in Scotland, rules on alcohol in football stadiums are set to be relaxed as a pilot scheme is trialled at two upcoming Premier Sports Cup fixtures later this month, the Glasgow Times reports.
Up to 66 supporters at Ayr United's home stadium at Somerset Park will be able to purchase up to five pints of beer (four before kick-off and one at half time) with a special £35 ticket.
These tickets will be available at the team's matches against Arbroath on 19 July and Forfar Athletic on 22 July.
In both England and Scotland, many supporters have expressed frustration that fans of other sports, such as rugby and fans elsewhere in Europe, are allowed to drink during matches. There is also an economic case for lifting the ban, which could give smaller clubs a much needed financial boost.
However, charity Alcohol Focus Scotland has warned lifting the ban would send the wrong message. Its chief executive Alison Douglas said: 'Not only could making alcohol more available at matches increase risks to fan safety and public disorder, it would be a major step in the wrong direction when it comes to people's health."
But what do you think? Has football changed enough to justify a ban being lifted? Or is it a recipie for disaster? Let us know in the polls below:Come back on Friday to read the results and analysis via the link below.
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