FOOTBALL fans return to stadiums this week with clubs given the opportunity to allow the sale of alcohol.
The long-standing ban on pints being drunk by the pitch requires socially-distanced drinking areas be set up inside stadiums.
A number of loopholes have been spotted in the Government’s pandemic guidelines.
Live events have been given the green light to sell pints without a ‘substantial’ meal – as is required for pubs and restaurants.
Instead, alcohol can be sold to punters in Covid-secure venues, so long as the person has a ticket and consumes their beverage at their seat.
Football fans in Tier 1 and Tier 2 non-league grounds are, as before, allowed to have a pint while watching the game.
However, EFL and Premier League venues are subject to the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol, etc) Act 1985.
That means alcohol cannot be consumed within sight of the pitch – ruling out fans being allowed to carry their pint to their seat.
A number of clubs are planning on selling food and drinks from their concourses upon fans’ return.
For pints to be added to the menu, a socially-distanced area with seats and tables is required for supporters to follow guidelines.
Discussions have taken place among some Government ministers about repealing or adjusting football’s ban on pitchside alcohol.
The Premier League is said to be pulling together medical experts, Government figures and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority to discuss its options.
However, there is no sign of an immediate change to the law.
Arsenal host Rapid Vienna on Thursday night to become the first Premier League side to welcome back their supporters for a competitive match.
Spectators were banned from professional matches in March and the Government cancelled plans for their return despite a number of trials in the summer.
Tier 1 areas are allowed to welcome back 4,000 fans or reach 50 per cent of stadium capacity – an honour only bestowed upon clubs in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.
A wealth of teams can open their doors to as many as 2,000 supporters in Tier 2, including top-flight sides Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Half of the Premier League remains under Tier 3 restrictions, whereby fans are not allowed to enter stadiums.
