'Absolutely not': Yorkshire Post readers react to calls to allow alcohol in football stands
Yorkshire Post readers have shared their views on proposals to allow football fans to drink alcohol in the stands.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reignited the debate over football licensing laws, describing the long-standing ban on drinking alcohol in view of the pitch as "discriminatory" and "outdated".
The Yorkshire Post asked its Facebook followers whether the restrictions should be lifted, prompting a largely negative response.
Many readers raised concerns about drunken behaviour and being showered in beer during goal celebrations.
Claire Lou commented: "No, I don’t want to be covered in beer or any other sort of liquid when my team score!"
Margo Lax shared similar concerns, writing: “NO... the worst thing. Teams soring a goal and other fans being soaked in beer when the plastic cups fly through the air Plus too much booze make some folk violent and want to fight.... BAD IDEA.”
Joanne de Groot said the proposed change could affect her decision to continue attending matches.
She wrote: “I for one will not be renewing a season ticket if I have to sit amongst drunken fans. Have we learned nothing?”
Others questioned whether supporters needed to drink during matches.
Francis Ke asked: "Can people really not go 45 minutes without a beer?"
Meanwhile, Shaun Barker called for stricter restrictions, commenting: "No they should ban drinking alcohol in all football stadiums".
However, some readers questioned the existing rules.
Dave Hanwell wrote: "Yeah why rush it down before coming back up".
Stephen Rowe suggested ticket prices could discourage supporters from making repeated trips to the bar.
He commented: "With ticket prices as they are I can't see many people going back & forth to the bar and of course as now folks will allowed pre-match drinks."
Carol Butler simply responded: "Yes".
Other readers questioned the Prime Minister's priorities, while Andy Davis suggested testing the proposal before introducing it more widely.
He wrote: "Let's do a trial. Allow it in one stand at Everton. And Burnham has to be amongst them for the entire duration".
The current legislation, introduced in 1985, prohibits drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at designated football matches, although supporters can consume alcohol in permitted stadium concourses.