GET THE BEERS IN

Last updated : 02 October 2002 By Editor

The Guardian reports that the law stopping fans drinking in sight of the pitch could change.

Under the proposals, if clubs can prove there is no threat to public order and have the approval of the police, they will be given licences to allow alcohol to be consumed in certain stands, such as those set aside for members and season ticket holders, and in executive boxes overlooking the pitch. Fans would not be allowed to take their own drink to matches. The move follows pressure from a number of leading Premiership clubs which claimed they were missing out on revenue.

A spokesman for the Department of Media, Culture and Sport said: "The new licensing bill would change the situation regarding the ban on drinking within sight of the pitch. The local authority would have to take into account the views of the police and that there was no threat to public order and also health and safety issues before issuing a licence. We will also be issuing guidelines.

The new legislation received a cautious welcome from the national criminal intelligence service, which monitors football hooliganism. Spokesman Mark Steels said: "While alcohol has played an unfortunate role in hooliganism we also have to recognise that having a drink is part of the fun of a day out at football."