Football fans return to stadiums: Rules on drinking alcohol, singing, travel and face masks
Cheers: fans can have a beer when they return to grounds
(Getty Images)Football fans will be exempt from Tier 2 rules stating they can only be served alcohol with a substantial meal when they return to stadia this week.
Clubs are preparing to welcome back 2,000 supporters from Wednesday, with Charlton the first team in the capital to throw open their doors.
In guidance published on Tuesday, the Government confirmed stadia “will be exempt from having to provide table service to spectators who intend to sit to consume their food or drink (including alcohol)”.
Other hospitality venues in Tier 2 will not be granted the same exemption.
It is thought cash-strapped clubs could put temporary seats in concourses, provided social distancing can be maintained, in order to maximise their income from the return of fans.
The 35-year-old ban on fans drinking while they watch games from the stands remains in place, although the EFL are lobbying for the rule to be relaxed.
Other guidelines coming into place for fans include:
Singing and shouting will be permitted.
They will be “strongly encouraged” to wear face masks when they are in their seats watching the game.
Face masks will be mandatory in concourses.
Fans should not travel from Tier 3 areas to attend any matches.
Clubs are being encouraged to ask fans to walk or cycle to games.
Clubs are being asked to stagger fans’ arrivals and departures and will be providing post-match entertainment to avoid a surge at full-time.
The highest-profile match this weekend will see Tottenham host Arsenal in the north London derby, with as many as 2,000 fans attending.