Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 51
Evidence on alcohol's impact at sporting events inconclusive for legislative changes
Conclusion
The evidence available on the impact of alcohol on disorder at football matches and for fans travelling on chartered services does not provide a compelling case either for the status quo or for a significant relaxation of the current legislation. We acknowledge football’s historic problems with alcohol consumption and anti- social behaviour, but we are also aware that this behaviour at sporting events is not unique to football and there are legitimate concerns that other sporting events are at risk of becoming unwelcoming environments as a result. We welcome that the Government has accepted a need for the review of the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985, which, alongside a responsible alcohol sale pilot scheme, provides an opportunity for comprehensive evidence gathering.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating it will continue to engage stakeholders and keep alcohol controls under review, balancing commercial benefits with safety and disorder concerns.
Paragraph Reference:
51
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We will continue to engage stakeholders on this issue, particularly in light of strong representations made to the government by policing authorities about the increase in football-related arrests and disorder post-COVID. There is a clear need to balance the potential commercial benefits of alcohol sales in the lower leagues with concerns around safety and disorder, the mitigations of which would incur additional costs. The government will continue to keep alcohol controls under review, taking into account football disorder issues and trends with relevant bodies including the UK Football Policing Unit, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, and The FA.