UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, an Everton supporter, believes the law preventing football fans from drinking alcohol at their seats during matches is outdated. He stated, "I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination," comparing football fans unfavorably to those of other sports and events. However, this is not official government policy, and MPs rejected a Conservative amendment to the Football Governance Bill last year.

The Sporting Events Control of Alcohol Act of 1985 strictly controls alcohol in English and Welsh football grounds, requiring beer to be consumed in areas without a view of the pitch. This ban affects clubs from the Premier League down to the National League, while teams in lower divisions can drink around the pitch. Scotland has a stricter law from 1981, but a pilot scheme last year allowed several Scottish clubs to sell alcohol in monitored areas, extending to the Premiership and national team friendlies.

The Women's Super League in England has completed two successful trials, and the rule preventing drinking in the stands has been removed by WSL Football. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the competition had "not got a specific view," while the English Football League stated it would be "receptive to discussions around reviewing the current legislation." The Football Supporters' Association backs changing the law, with chairman Tom Greatrex calling it "outdated" and noting that in Germany, drinking at football is "perfectly acceptable."