Women's Championship Clubs to Trial Alcohol Consumption in Stands

Four Women’s Championship clubs—Birmingham, Bristol City, Newcastle, and Southampton—are set to trial a new initiative allowing fans to drink alcohol in the stands while watching league games. This trial, beginning this month and running until the end of the season, seeks to explore ways to improve the fan experience in women’s football.

The experiment circumvents the 1985 Sporting Events Act, which prohibits alcohol consumption in view of the pitch at men’s top five leagues, as the women’s game is not bound by the same legislation. If successful, the initiative could extend to the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s Championship after further consultation with stakeholders.

A Diverse Approach to Testing

The four participating clubs were selected not only for their geographic diversity but also for the unique characteristics of their venues. Bristol City’s Ashton Gate and Newcastle’s Kingston Park, which also host rugby fixtures where alcohol consumption in the stands is allowed, will be contrasted with the other two stadiums that do not share this practice.

Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), the body managing the WSL and Women’s Championship, required clubs to express interest and meet strict safety criteria to be eligible. The trial aims to provide a controlled environment to evaluate fan behavior and the potential impacts of the policy.

Safety and Demographic Considerations

League officials are optimistic that the trial could succeed due to the differences in fan demographics between women’s and men’s football. Women’s games typically attract family-friendly crowds, and recent government data showed no arrests at women’s football matches in England and Wales during the 2023-24 season.

The trial reflects a broader strategy to “test and learn” before implementing permanent changes. Some derby fixtures, where tensions may run higher, will be exempt from the trial to maintain safety.

What’s Next?

The first trial matches for Bristol City and Southampton are scheduled for 19 January, with Birmingham and Newcastle following on 26 January. Feedback from fans, clubs, and safety officials will determine whether the initiative becomes a permanent feature of the women’s game.

• Participating Clubs: Birmingham, Bristol City, Newcastle, and Southampton.
• Duration: Trial runs from January until the end of the 2023-24 season.
• Scope: Applies only to Women’s Championship league fixtures; some derby matches excluded.
• Safety Measures: Clubs were chosen based on venue characteristics and adherence to safety protocols.
• Potential Expansion: If successful, the trial could extend to the Women’s Super League and more Championship clubs.