A Toast To The WSL! Alcohol To Be Permitted In Stands At Women's Super League Games
Alcohol will be allowed in the stands at select Women's Super League matches in England during the 2025–26 season, involving seven clubs after a successful pilot.
For the first time in decades, alcohol will be allowed in the stands at select professional football matches in England—though only at Women's Super League (WSL) fixtures. The change, part of a controlled trial, will apply to seven top-tier women's clubs during the 2025–26 season.
The longstanding ban on drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at men's matches, introduced in 1985 to combat hooliganism and stadium violence, remains firmly in place. However, the women's game—widely regarded as a more family-friendly and inclusive environment—has not been subject to the same restrictions.
The WSL announced on Thursday that, starting next season, fans attending home games at Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, London City Lionesses, Manchester City, and Manchester United will be permitted to consume alcohol in the stands.
The trial follows a successful pilot last season involving four second-tier clubs from the Women's Championship. Across 19 matches attended by approximately 51,000 fans, the WSL reported overwhelmingly positive feedback.
According to the WSL, two-thirds of attendees supported the initiative, and 84% rated their personal safety between 9 and 10 out of 10.
'Players and match officials noted no change to fan behaviour," the WSL said in a statement. 'Average spending on food and beverages increased across these fixtures, and match attendances also rose."
The decision reflects the consistently respectful and welcoming environment at women's football matches—markedly different from the historically volatile atmosphere of the men's game. Foul language and crowd disturbances are rare, reinforcing the family-oriented appeal of the women's league.
The move also echoes the success of in-seat alcohol sales during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament, where fans enjoyed a similar experience without incident.
The 2025–26 Women's Super League season is set to begin on September 6.
(with Reuters inputs)
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