Current English football regulations ban drinking within view of the pitch.GETTY IMAGES
Sunderland and Ipswich Town are among a number of League One sides "spearheading a campaign to allow fans to consume alcohol from their stadium seats," according to Dan Ripley of the London DAILY MAIL. While supporters are "allowed to consume alcohol inside the ground" under current regulations, there is a ban on "drinking it if you are in view of the pitch." Sunderland claimed that the existing laws are "unfair on supporters." Sunderland is in favor of a "pilot scheme," as are other sides including Ipswich Town, Doncaster Rovers, Accrington Stanley, Port Vale, Forest Green Rovers, Lincoln City, Tranmere Rovers and Northampton Town. A Sunderland spokesperson said, "At the Stadium of Light, concert-goers can watch Kings of Leon whilst enjoying a pint, but cannot when watching their football team. This seems discriminatory to football fans." Grimsby Town, Newport County and Gillingham are "among other sides interested in discussing the issue." Alcohol for years was "deemed as a contributor" to the Hillsborough disaster in '89. However, in '12, the Hillsborough Independent Panel report "revealed that alcohol played no part in the tragedy" (DAILY MAIL, 10/24).
