Football Policing Unit ‘strongly object’ overturning of alcohol ban in stadiums despite hope it could help fans return
THE Football Policing Unit ‘strongly object’ to calls to overturn the alcohol ban in football stadiums.
The Premier League and English Football League want the law, which was introduced in 1985, to be reviewed.
The clubs are hopeful that overturning the law will help small crowds return to the grounds.
They are of the belief that it will ease social distancing concerns on nearby concourses.
But the UK’s Football Policing Unit have urged the government NOT to change the law.
According to The Independent, they ‘strongly object’ to the idea to axe the alcohol ban.
A document released on September 30 insists the law is ‘not discriminatory in nature’.
But some organisations have argued against that, as the same policy is not used for other sporting codes.
The document reads: “[Some fans prefer alcohol] to be confined to concourse, bar and hospitality areas.
“This is particularly so in relation to family groups with younger children.
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“Changes to the legislation would mean these groups would not be able to avoid the drinking culture.”
But several sources, including governing bodies, fan representatives and the police force, confirmed that no research was completed to back up the claim.
An individual from the policing sector told The Independent: “They have a habit of presenting a narrative that suits their own prejudices as a fact and then say it reflects the police position nationally.”