EFL call on drinking ban in stands to end as fans return to football matches

The EFL are urging the Government to suspend the 35-year-old ban on fans being allowed to drink alcohol in their seats at stadia.

Supporters return to grounds on Wednesday but, as has been law since 1985, are prohibited from drinking in view of the pitch.

But the EFL have written to the Government requesting the ban is relaxed to give clubs more operational flexibility and the chance to increase revenue.

With no club in England's top four divisions placed in Tier 1, the most number of supporters any ground across the country will be able to host is 2,000.

As such, the EFL believe supporters will be able to safely order and drink alcohol from their socially distanced seat in the stands, rather than gather on the concourse.

The Football Supporters Federation have long argued that the ban is outdated, with fans of other sports allowed to drink in the stands and in view of the event taking place.