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WSL Clubs Cleared to Serve Alcohol in Stands Starting Next Season

A rule banning drinking in view of the pitch has been removed after two seasons of successful trials across 190 fixtures.

Erin Cuthbert arriving for the Barclays Women's Super League football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge stadium on 10 May 2025.
Erin Cuthbert arriving for the Barclays Women's S…      Women S Super League Stadium    Katie Chan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
By Free News Press Editorial Team
Published June 22, 2026 at 1:51 PM PDT

All Women's Super League clubs will be allowed to offer alcohol to supporters in the stands starting next season. The change follows the removal of a rule that had prevented fans from consuming alcohol while in view of the pitch.

According to BBC Sport, WSL Football, the league's governing company, approved the policy change after two seasons of trials in the WSL and WSL 2. The trials ran through the 2025-26 season and involved 20 clubs across 29 venues and 190 fixtures in England's top two tiers. Shareholders approved the removal of the rule.

Clubs are not required to supply alcohol and can choose to offer it at some venues but not others. Everton and newly promoted Charlton Athletic both confirmed Monday they would continue providing alcohol at their games.

The change applies specifically to women's football. The Sporting Events Control of Alcohol Act still prevents fans from drinking alcohol while facing the pitch at professional men's football matches in England, Scotland, and Wales. No equivalent legislative change has been made for the men's game.

Hannah Hampton with the Barclays Women's Super League trophy after the football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge stadium on 10 May 2025.
Hannah Hampton with the Barclays Women's Super Le…      Women S Super League Stadium    Katie Chan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)