Lib Dems to Debate Safe Standing

[Simi]

FP15 Safe Standing at Football Matches

Chesham & Amersham, Aylesbury

Conference notes that:

A. Since 1994 all football clubs in the Premiership and the Football League Championship have been

required to provide all-seater accommodation.

B. Model ground regulations recommended by the Premier and Football Leagues stipulate that

standing in seated areas should be forbidden.

C. A sizeable minority of supporters who wish to watch football whilst standing continue to stand in

seated areas.

D. Spectators standing in seated areas can create a number of hazards particularly for those seated

around them.

Conference in particular notes that:

i) Standing in seating areas, and efforts to enforce the ban on it, is a significant cause of conflict

between supporters, their clubs and the authorities.

ii) Safe standing areas operate safely and successfully at many European grounds, notably in

Germany.

iii) Where customers have the choice to purchase tickets in either ‘sitting’ or ‘standing’ areas,

the problem of seated spectators finding their views blocked by people standing is largely

eliminated.

iv) Outside the top two divisions of English league football safe standing areas are permitted.

v) There is no recent evidence to suggest that standing spectators are any less safe at football

matches than those who are seated.

Conference believes that the introduction of safe standing areas would:

a) Be extremely popular with supporters, both those who prefer to stand and those who (for

whatever reasons including health or disability) prefer to sit.

b) Provide choice and promote social inclusion in the national game.

c) Positively assist the relationship between supporters and stewards by removing this area of

potential conflict.

d) Most importantly, be safe.

Conference therefore calls upon the Government to:

1. Replace any regulations requiring spectators to be seated with new regulations clearly setting

out standards under which a safe standing area may be licensed.

2. Direct the Football Licensing Authority to prepare suitable guidance under which domestic

football clubs, working with their supporters, may introduce safe standing areas.

[Webbo]

Well if the Lib Dems are behind it, it can only be a matter of time before it's law.

[SamL]

I think the Conservatives were looking into it as well, providing they came into power.

It's good to see they're trying to do something about it.