Henry Winter

ALT Everton Fan Advisory Board fan survey, September 2026. Alcohol in sight of the pitch? 1,142 Evertonians gave us their views. Should English football change the ban introduced in 1985? Prime Minister and Evertonian Andy Burnham raised the idea of a trial, then stepped back. There is no current commitment to change policy. Our purpose: listen to fans and share your sentiment.

ALT Split views. Shared conditions. 54% support change (26% yes, 28% with conditions). 44% lean against (37% no, 7% persuadable). 2% unsure. 72% attach conditions, want a pilot or engage with how change could work. Even 70% of outright yes voters chose a safeguard, as did 44% of no voters. Only 8% want change without safeguards; 20% reject change without engaging with any safeguard

ALT Why fans feel this way: choice, fairness, the match itself. Supporters: personal freedom and equal treatment with other sports and concerts lead the case for change. Opponents: many enjoy a drink before or after the game; their concern is disruption while watching it. 78% worry about spilled or thrown drinks; 61% worry about people blocking views. Older fans are more opposed: support is 66% among under-35s and 38% among those aged 65 and over.

ALT If change is revisited: test it first, protect the experience. 50% back a pilot before wider rollout, evaluated independently with findings published before any next step. Other safeguards: close bars during play, with drinks bought before kick-off or at half-time taken to seats; keep alcohol-free sections (39% back this, including areas beyond family sections); reduce spills and set clear rules, with lids or spill-resistant containers and sanctions for deliberate throwing; limit purchases and phase any trial (29% back purchase limits, 19% back restrictions on high-risk fixtures).