Overview

This bill creates a new criminal offence: unauthorised entry to designated football matches in England and Wales without a valid ticket. Conviction could lead to a football banning order.

Description

The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill amends the Football (Offences) Act 1991. It introduces a new section (1A) defining "Unauthorised Entry".

Unauthorised Entry: It is an offence to enter, or attempt to enter, a football match venue without a valid match ticket. Two defences are included: (1) lawful authority or excuse for entry; (2) entry via a spectator entrance with a ticket the individual reasonably believed was unused, even if ineligible to use that specific ticket.

Enforcement: The bill doesn't specify penalties, but implies that a football banning order could result from a conviction.

Geographical Scope and Commencement: The Act applies only to England and Wales, and its commencement date will be set by the Secretary of State.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. The costs associated with enforcement (increased policing, court proceedings) are potential indirect consequences that are difficult to quantify.

Groups Affected

Football Clubs: Could see increased security costs and reduced revenue from ticketless attendees.

Football Fans: Those entering without a valid ticket face prosecution and potential banning orders. Fans with potentially misused tickets might face unexpected consequences.

Police: Increased workload due to enforcement.

Courts: Increased caseload related to prosecutions under the new law.

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