The Return Of Alcohol To Our Terraces?

A stadium drinking trial at four women's Championship sides will see the return to alcohol consumption during football matches in view of the pitch for the first time since the ban in 1985.

Currently, football fans cannot drink alcohol in view of the pitch at matches in the BWSL and BWC due to the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 - it applies to matches in the top five tiers of men's football and has since been reflected in the Football Association (FA) regulations and adopted during the rise of women's football.

However, as the WPLL is now fully independent of the Football Association, it can make changes to the structure of the league, invest in new technology, and implement rule changes without FA oversight.

Bristol City, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Southampton will take part in the trial, which will be rolled out in the second half of the Championship season. The pilot scheme will see between four and five games used as test vehicles for the scheme before any future larger scale rollout. The initiative will see fans at Ashton Gate, St Andrew's, Kingston Park and St Mary's being able to consume alcohol in view of the pitch for the first time since 1985.

In stadia around the country 15 minutes before a game, the consumption of alcohol in sight of a football pitch must stop. In hospitality, that means the blind or curtain must come down, and we move to alcohol free. While women's football is not covered by the ban, due to the logistics involved, and many sides sharing grounds, the ban has been carried over. This new trial could give officials some insight into a possible future where the ban is removed. In fairness, fans do and can still drink at football stadiums; they just have to do it before the game or at halftime.

Nikki Doucet, chief executive of the Women's Professional Leagues (WPLL), said a trial would take place. ‘I think our fan base and the behaviour is different (to the men’s game), and I think ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.'

The trial may not go anywhere for the men's game, but it might lead to the women's game, opening the doors to a much larger trial, however we do not envisage it will be replicated in the men's game any time soon.

Marieanne Spacey Cale, Director of Women’s Football for Southampton FC said: “This new trial marks an exciting step in enhancing the matchday experience for our fans. By allowing alcohol to be consumed responsibly in the bowl, we aim to create an inclusive, enjoyable atmosphere that mirrors the vibrant energy of the sport itself. Whilst we know it might not be everyone; this trial is about offering fans the choice to have a drink whilst watching the game if they’d like to. As always, fan safety and respect for all attendees remain our top priority.”

This trial will be a test and learn approach, with research being undertaken throughout the process and all involved will look forward to the results and the outcome of the ground‑breaking consideration.