Popular support for lifting alcohol ban for football fans
Opinion research conducted by Deltapoll for Helm Partners has found that while marginally more people (45% to 43%) support changing current rules so that adult fans can drink alcohol while watching a football match, there are notable differences of opinion between different social groups.
The poll of 1,999 British adults, conducted in the midst of the World Cup (26-29 June) found support for the change is strongest among men (53% to 38%), who make up the majority of those attending matches, and amongst people aged between 18 and 54. Geographically, it gains most support in London and Scotland.
Support for the change is lower among women and older groups, with the over-65s the most opposed to any change. Interestingly, the poll found that while a majority of Labour (52% to 38%) and Conservative (51% to 42%) supporters back lifting the alcohol ban, most Green supporters oppose the move (49% to 42%) while Reform supporters are evenly split (46/46).
Liberal Democrat supporters are the most strongly opposed (54% to 38%) to the liberalising measure, which Andy Burnham is now championing.