Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985

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