Metropolitan Police warns alcohol in London football stands could spark more violence
Sir Mark Rowley says any relaxation of the 1985 ban risks higher disorder, while policing costs exceed £23 million and clubs repay only a fraction
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The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, told the London Assembly on 29 July 2026 that any move to let supporters consume alcohol in the terraces would need “really careful thought”. He said the force continues to see “violence” and “drugs” at matches and that loosening the ban could make those problems worse.
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Rowley added that the culture at football games differs from other sports events, noting that “we still see violence at football matches” and “we still see challenges”. He warned that relaxing the rule could “increase the volatility” of crowds, potentially leading to more assaults and drug‑related incidents.
I’m worried about the violence we still see at matches. I’m worried about the drugs we see at matches. So I’d be very cautious about it.
Sir Mark Rowley, Metropolitan Police Commissioner
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Data from the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit shows that policing the 14 professional clubs in London cost more than £23 million during the 2023/24 season. Clubs collectively reimbursed just over £2 million, leaving the remainder to be funded by taxpayers.
The Mayor of London, who was asked for comment, said he supports the commissioner’s call for “additional resources” and hopes the reimbursement model can be improved. The mayor’s office has previously highlighted the “increased risk of crime, disorder and ASB” that drives the high policing bill.
Government stance on the drinking ban
A Home Office source told MyLondon that the government has no imminent plans to change the legislation introduced in 1985 that prohibits drinking within sight of the pitch. The source added that the department continues to monitor football‑related disorder trends while keeping the current controls under review.
The 1985 rule was originally championed by then‑Home Secretary Leon Brittan, who described alcohol as a “major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour” in football grounds. Recent comments from Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested a possible review, but the Home Office response indicates no immediate amendment is forthcoming.
Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Gareth Roberts, who questioned the commissioner and the mayor, said the police chief’s concerns should be taken seriously and warned that “the last thing our police force needs is a Government making their jobs even harder”.
The next formal step is a scheduled review by the Home Office later in the year, which will consider evidence from police, clubs and local authorities before any legislative proposal is drafted.
Questions this report answers
+What did the Metropolitan Police Commissioner say about alcohol in football stands?
Sir Mark Rowley told the London Assembly that allowing fans to drink in the terraces could increase violence and drug use. He urged that any change to the 1985 ban be considered “really carefully” to avoid heightened disorder.
+How much did policing London football matches cost in 2023/24?
Police operations at the 14 London clubs cost more than £23 million in the 2023/24 season. Clubs reimbursed just over £2 million, leaving the bulk of the expense to be covered by the public purse.
+Is the law banning alcohol in view of the pitch set to change soon?
A Home Office source confirmed there are no immediate plans to amend the 1985 prohibition on drinking within sight of the pitch. The department says it continues to review football disorder issues but no legislative change is imminent.
+What reimbursement have clubs provided for policing costs?
Clubs collectively repaid just over £2 million of the £23 million policing bill for the 2023/24 season. The shortfall remains funded by taxpayers, prompting calls from the commissioner and the mayor for a more comprehensive reimbursement framework.
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