Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985
Last amended by Football (Disorder) Act 2000 in 2000. Strengthened football banning orders and international enforcement measures.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 regulates the sale and consumption of alcohol at designated sporting events in England & Wales, primarily football matches. Enacted in response to hooliganism, it creates criminal offences for possessing alcohol, being drunk, or possessing flares/fireworks at or en route to designated sports grounds.
Key Points
- Criminal offence to possess alcohol on coaches, trains, or minibuses travelling to or from a designated sporting event (s.1)
- Criminal offence to possess or consume alcohol within sight of the pitch at a designated sports ground (s.2)
- Criminal offence to be drunk at a designated sporting event (s.2(2))
- Criminal offence to possess flares, fireworks, or smoke bombs at a designated sports ground (s.2A)
- The Secretary of State designates which sports grounds and events are covered by the Act
- Applies primarily to association football — extended to other sports by designation order
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2000 — Football (Disorder) Act 2000
Strengthened football banning orders and international enforcement measures.
1989 — Football Spectators Act 1989
Introduced the wider regime of restriction and banning orders for football matches that complements the alcohol controls in this Act.
Frequently asked questions
- Which sports are covered by the alcohol control laws?
- The Act primarily covers association football matches in England and Wales. However, the Secretary of State can designate other sports grounds and events to be included. This means the rules apply to specific venues and fixtures officially identified by the government, rather than all sporting events generally.
- Is it illegal to have alcohol on a train or coach going to a football match?
- Yes, it is a criminal offence to possess alcohol on a public-service vehicle, train, or certain hired minibuses carrying more than eight passengers while travelling to or from a designated sporting event. Vehicle operators also commit an offence if they knowingly permit passengers to possess alcohol during these journeys.
- Can I drink alcohol inside the stadium during the match?
- You cannot possess alcohol or be drunk within the viewing area of a designated sports ground during the event. It is also an offence to possess a container, such as a bottle or can, that could cause injury if thrown. These restrictions apply specifically to the area where spectators watch the match.
- Are flares or fireworks allowed at football grounds?
- Possessing flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, or similar articles at a designated sports ground, or while entering it during the event, is a criminal offence. The law aims to prevent the use of such items which can cause danger or disorder at sporting events.
- How is alcohol sales regulated inside the stadium?
- The Act allows the government to make orders controlling the sale and supply of alcohol within designated sports grounds. This includes provisions for the closure of bars during events. Police constables also have the power to enter grounds to enforce these rules and search individuals reasonably suspected of committing offences.
- What are the penalties for breaking these alcohol rules?
- If convicted of offences under the Act, such as possessing alcohol or being drunk at a designated event, you may face a fine. In certain cases, the penalties can also include imprisonment. The specific penalty depends on the nature of the offence and the court's decision.