Football fans in Lincoln are split as to whether they would like to see a return of greater freedom to drink in stadiums after the idea was mooted by the prime minister.
Andy Burnham said last month that he would like to introduce a bill into Parliament which, if passed, would allow supporters to bring alcohol into the stands during matches at football grounds.
But the proposals were met with mixed feelings in Lincoln city centre this morning.
“It could be ridiculous – you’d get covered in beer,” said Andy Shaw, a 41-year-old train driver. “It’s a good idea in principle, but with the way people celebrate goals these days, I don’t think it would be good for the game.”
However, some residents thought it could be a good thing.
Phillip Watson – aged 74 and a Gainsborough Trinity fan – said: “I think there’s no problem with it at all. As local non-league fans we all love a drink now and then.”
Eighteen-year-old Lily Perkins agreed. The Chelsea FC Women fan said that having a drink could help “form a community within the football club” – although she expressed concerns that, within the men’s game, it could lead to some supporters becoming “more aggressive”.
Drinking alcohol while watching a professional football match has been strictly prohibited since the Sporting Events Control of Alcohol Act was introduced in 1985 to counter escalating hooliganism.
But Jason White – a plaster and Nottingham Forest season ticket holder – suggested a middle way could be found.
The 50-year-old said: “I think certain parts of the ground could become [drinking areas] maybe. I’d be up for that, mate.”
