European Football: Beer Ban Blues

Alcohol consumption during football matches has been a contentious issue in Europe. While some countries like Germany allow drinking in the stands, others like the UK have a ban on consuming alcohol in view of the pitch. This ban was introduced in the mid-1980s to curb hooliganism and unrest at football matches. However, it has been criticised for doing little to prevent violence and for treating football fans as second-class citizens. UEFA also previously banned alcohol sales during Champions League and Europa League matches, but this was reversed in 2018. The topic remains a subject of debate, with some calling for a fan-led review of alcohol consumption policies in football stadiums.

Alcohol banned in parts of English football grounds with a view of the pitch

Alcohol is banned in parts of English football grounds with a view of the pitch. This rule was introduced in 1985 to curb hooliganism. The ban also applies to certain coaches, trains, and motor vehicles travelling to designated football matches.

The ban does not apply to grounds where a match is being watched on a screen as part of a 'beam back'. Alcohol can be consumed in the concourses of grounds in the Football League, but not in seats.

In Scotland, alcohol is banned from all parts of football grounds, excluding corporate hospitality areas. This ban was introduced after the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers, which saw a mass riot.

Alcohol is also banned from being consumed in view of the pitch at football matches in France.

Alcohol banned in Scottish football grounds outside of corporate hospitality

Alcohol has been banned from Scottish football grounds since the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers, excluding corporate hospitality areas. The ban was introduced after rioting fans brought shame to the sport in a series of disgraceful scenes that were broadcast around the world. Over 200 arrests were made.

The ban applies to all parts of Scottish football grounds, with the exception of corporate hospitality areas. This means that fans cannot drink alcohol anywhere inside the stadium, including in their seats and on the concourses outside the stadium. The only time the ban has been lifted was during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games when rugby games were staged at Ibrox Park.

Prior to 1980, supporters were allowed to bring their own alcohol into Scottish football grounds. This led to a culture of heavy drinking and hooliganism, which culminated in the Hampden riot. Since the ban was introduced, there has been little opposition to the rules, and it is generally accepted that football authorities are already struggling to manage crowds appropriately.

Alcohol companies are major sponsors of football teams and tournaments, and their branding is often featured on replica kits. However, there has been a move away from this in recent years, with alcohol companies voluntarily removing their branding from children's kits and some countries banning alcohol advertising in sport altogether.

Alcohol banned in stadiums to prevent violence and unrest

Alcohol has been banned in stadiums in the UK since the 1980s to prevent violence and unrest. In England, alcohol cannot be consumed in parts of football grounds with a view of the pitch, and in Scotland, alcohol is banned everywhere outside of corporate hospitality. The ban was introduced to curb hooliganism and rioting, which was a significant issue in European football at the time.

While alcohol restrictions have helped reduce violence, some argue that they do little to prevent it entirely. People will drink before and after the game, and during halftime, and may be more likely to drink excessively if they know they will not be able to drink during the game. Additionally, alcohol is still allowed at other sporting events in the UK, such as rugby and cricket, which suggests that the issue is not alcohol itself but the culture surrounding football.

Despite the ban, alcohol companies continue to be major sponsors of football teams and tournaments. However, branding has been removed from children's replica kits, and alcohol sponsors are no longer featured on shirts in the Premier League.

In recent years, there have been calls to reinstate drinking in seats at football grounds, with some arguing that the current policy contributes to unhealthy drinking habits, such as drinking a lot in a short space of time at halftime. Additionally, the ban may be negatively impacting the income of smaller clubs, which generate a lot of their revenue through bar sales. However, others argue that reinstating drinking in seats would contribute to growing disorder in football and could lead to dangerous behaviour, such as throwing bottles onto the pitch.

In 2018, UEFA reversed its alcohol ban for Champions League and Europa League matches, allowing the sale of alcoholic drinks inside stadiums, subject to local laws. However, the ban remains in place for matches in the UK.

Alcohol companies sponsor major football teams and tournaments

Alcohol companies are major sponsors of football teams and tournaments. Heineken, for example, sponsors the Champions League, while Budweiser sponsored the last World Cup. In the UK, Carling was a sponsor of the English Premier League, and the Budweiser FA Cup is also a well-known tournament.

Many teams are sponsored by beer companies, and shirt sponsorship is big business. Everton, for instance, were sponsored by Chang Beer from 2004-2017, and Liverpool by Carlsberg from 1992-2010. In Scotland, rivals Celtic and Rangers shared Carling as a sponsor from 2003-2010, and then Tennent's from 2010-2013.

Alcohol companies invest heavily in football sponsorship, as it is the most popular sport in the world and a great way to reach their target audience. Heineken, for example, has 25 active deals with sports organisations, including a deal with Formula One worth $21.4 million annually. The 30 leading alcoholic beverage brands spend more than $760 million each year sponsoring the biggest competitions, clubs and athletes.

However, there has been some pushback against alcohol sponsorship in football. Alcohol branding has been removed from children's replica kits, and it is banned outright in France. There have also been discussions about changing the rules in England and Scotland, where alcohol cannot be consumed in parts of football grounds with a view of the pitch.

Alcohol bans introduced for certain Bundesliga matches

Alcohol bans have been introduced for certain Bundesliga matches that are viewed as high-risk. This means that alcoholic drinks purchased in the stadium may not be taken into the stadium. Alcohol can only be consumed at the stands.

The ban on alcohol at certain Bundesliga matches is not the first time that football authorities have attempted to curb drinking at football matches. In 1985, the consumption of alcohol in the stands of English football grounds and stadium areas with views of the pitch was banned to curb hooliganism. This ban also applied on buses and trains taking supporters to games.

The ban on alcohol in English football grounds was partly due to the drinking culture that existed in the sport. For example, Arsenal's Tuesday Club exemplified English football's drinking culture. However, in 1996, Arsenal hired French manager Arsène Wenger, who was one of the first managers to challenge this culture and promote the health and performance benefits of abstinence.

Despite the ban on alcohol in English football grounds, alcohol companies are still sponsors of major association football teams and tournaments. By the 2017-18 season, however, there were no longer any alcohol sponsors on shirts in the Premier League for the first time, as gambling companies predominated.

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