# Burnham wants ban on alcohol in the stands at football matches to be repealed

By Matt Lambert — 2026-09-24

Matt Lambert, chief executive officer of the Portman Group – the alcohol marketing self-regulator and responsibility body, believes now could be the right time for football fans to drink in the stands.

He said: “We are supportive of people’s right to enjoy a drink in moderation, be that at their local pub, a cricket match or while supporting their team at a football match.

“A lot has changed since the ban first came in and the vast majority of drinkers keep within the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines.

“Initiatives to foster safer socialising are now well developed, such as the accreditation scheme Best Bar None, allowing football grounds to ensure they are keeping people safe while also enjoying drinking responsibly at a match.”

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