Exclusive: EFL asks for suspension of 35-year ban on fans drinking alcohol in view of the pitch
The English Football League has asked the Government for the 35-year ban preventing fans drinking alcohol in view of the pitch to be suspended.
Fans have been forbidden from doing so since 1985, under the Sporting Events Act, when hooliganism was at its height, but the EFL is arguing it will help with social distancing and bringing supporters back safely this week for the first time since March.
In a “Return of Fans” document seen by Telegraph Sport, the EFL has told its clubs that it has “requested that the Government suspends this element of the act in order to give clubs greater operational flexibility at the current time, as well as providing an opportunity to increase match-day revenue”.
Allowing fans to drink alcohol in their seats is regarded as safer than selling drinks to them in concourse areas and expecting them to stay there when up to 2,000 fans are welcomed back for matches in areas under Tier Two coronavirus restrictions.
It has long been argued, with backing from the Football Supporters Federation, that the alcohol ban is out-dated especially as it does not apply to other sports such as rugby and cricket and even at concerts held in football stadiums.
Interestingly, there are no plans for the Premier League, which is finalising its own guidance, to make a similar request to the Government on behalf of its clubs.
The Home Office has previously argued that the alcohol ban “is an important piece of legislation” to combat “football’s unique public order risks”. However a blanket ban would now appear out-dated especially with only a few supporters inside stadiums.
The Government would appear reluctant to agree to a change although it is expected to allow fans to buy drinks without having to also purchase a meal as they would do in a pub under Tier Two restrictions. However it may insist fans are seated when they drink in concourse areas, and still not in sight of the pitch, which could prove problematic for clubs.
Under the guidance circulated by the EFL, clubs will also be allowed to provide hospitality at games as long as social distancing is observed and they “follow the relevant Government guidance on restaurants, pubs and bars”. They will also continue to be allowed to screen matches in lounges and hospitality areas, as they were before lockdown, but those attending must be included in the maximum 2,000 fans allowed into games in Tier Two areas.
Although fans will be spared mandatory temperature checks, having to complete self-declaration health forms and wearing faces masks at all times inside stadiums, these may be imposed by some clubs in agreement with their local Safety Advisory Group who sign off on the protocols which will be in place.
In its guidance, the EFL says: “Supporters must wear face coverings when entering and exiting the stadium and in all communal areas of the ground ie. indoor toilet, internal concourse areas etc.” But it adds: “It is also recommended that face covers are worn at all times inside the stadium bowl but this will not be mandatory – unless required by your SAG”.
Fans will not be discouraged from chanting or singing but, within the Supporters Code of Conduct, which they will have to sign up to when they purchase their tickets, it states: “We all hope we’ll be celebrating a goal but please remember to maintain safe distances to other supporters not in your social bubble.”
Only home fans will be allowed to attend with supporters in areas of the country under Tier Three restrictions not allowed to travel to attend a game.
Clubs will have to ensure that each ticket-holder gives them up-to-date contact details for “Test and Trace” purposes and will be told not to attend if they are feeling unwell. Each club will have its own Code of Conduct although the restrictions will be broadly similar.
Some fans will also be pleased to note that clubs will be allowed “furry mascots at matches” although they will have to remain away from the pitch. Fans are also warned that it will take longer than normal to leave the ground despite the reduced numbers and are told not to touch a ball if it is kicked into the stands.
The Government has announced that fans will be allowed in outdoor sports venues after the lockdown ends on December 2. There are 34 EFL clubs, 10 Premier League clubs and eight Women’s Super League teams who are in Tier Two and will be allowed supporters back from this Wednesday. At present there are no clubs in Tier One where 4,000 fans would be allowed back.