Morecambe FC fans will be able to drink alcohol from the terraces or their seats during matches in the new football season.
The club announced that supporters will be permitted to consume alcohol in view of the pitch in all areas of the stadium, with the exception of the Morecambe FC Community Foundation Family Stand, on a trial basis for the 2026/27 season.
The season gets under way on August 8, but fans were allowed to drink while watching Tuesday night's friendly with AFC Fylde at the Halo Aerospace Stadium.
This is part of a number of changes being introduced to "enhance the matchday experience for fans" in the National League North, said the club on Tuesday.
The club said that, where permitted by the relevant competition regulations, fans will be able to consume alcoholic beverages, purchased within the stadium, from the comfort of their seat or whilst standing on the terraces, without needing to move to a designated concourse area.
"This change will be introduced on a trial basis throughout the 2026/27 season," said a club spokesperson.
"The club will closely monitor its impact, and supporters are reminded that this privilege is dependent on responsible behaviour at all times.
"Should supporter conduct deteriorate or should any safety concerns arise, Morecambe FC reserves the right to review or withdraw this policy.
"Supporters should also note that this arrangement is only possible while the club competes in a league that permits alcohol to be consumed in view of the pitch.
"Should Morecambe FC secure promotion back to the National League, this policy would automatically revert to supporters not being permitted to consume alcohol whilst in view of the playing surface, in line with the relevant National League and Government regulations in force at that time.
"The club thanks supporters in advance for their cooperation in helping to make this initiative a success."
Drinking in seats and on terraces at football grounds was banned in 1985 to curb hooliganism.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act, which prevents the consumption of alcohol within view of the playing area, applies to the top five tiers of football in England and Wales, but does not apply to the National League North, the division Morecambe was relegated to last season.
This means the club can set their own policy with regards to fans drinking in view of the pitch during games.
Other changes announced by the Shrimps on Tuesday include a new Digital First ticketing policy.
"Supporters are strongly encouraged to use digital tickets wherever possible by downloading the club's official digital ticketing app from their device's App Store or Google Play Store," said a club spokesperson.
"Digital tickets provide a quicker, more convenient matchday experience whilst significantly reducing the amount of paper used throughout the season.
"However, the club remains committed to ensuring that football is accessible to everyone, and therefore to ensure that no supporter will be disadvantaged by this change, physical tickets will continue to be available for supporters who are unable to access or use digital technology."
The club said that if you require any assistance with creating your ticketing account, downloading the app or accessing your digital tickets, you should contact the Morecambe FC ticket office.
Morecambe FC has also updated its ticket policy for infants under two years of age for the 2026/27 season.
Infants will now be permitted in the Morecambe FC Community Foundation Family Stand Section E. This applies only to selected seats, with infant seating located towards the rear (top) of the stand, the club said to ensure the comfort and safety of all supporters.
Supporters wishing to bring an infant should ensure they purchase these tickets by calling the ticket office on 01524 411797 and are not available online or from ticket machines within the Club Shop.
For safety reasons, pushchairs and buggies are not permitted in any area of the stadium, with the exception of the Hospitality Lounge and Executive Boxes, where they are permitted.
The club said they are unable to provide storage facilities for pushchairs or buggies for supporters seated in any other area of the stadium. Supporters are therefore asked to make alternative arrangements before travelling to the newly-renamed Halo Aerospace Stadium.
The club said they "look forward to welcoming supporters back to the Halo Aerospace Stadium for the 2026/27 season and thanks everyone for their continued support and cooperation as these changes are introduced".
Morecambe's first league match is at home to Spennymoor Town on Saturday, August 8.
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