MPs bid calling for football fans to be allowed to drink alcohol in the stands again has been rejected. They also want to make at least 10 Premier League games available on free-to-air TV each season. The demands came as the Football Governance Bill returned to the Commons on Tuesday (July 8). Supporters have been banned from drinking booze in view of the pitch in the top five tiers of the men's game in England for the last 40 years. The legislation was introduced in 1985 to crack down on hooliganism, with other sports unaffected. But Tory shadow sports minister Louie French said it leaves fans "rushing to drink their beer both before kick-off and at half-time". He claimed this "often leads to fans being delayed entering stadiums and overcrowding on concourses" as he called for a consultation on lifting the ban. The MP added: "It's time to consult on ending the nanny state, two tiered approach to football fans. "The alcohol ban on the terraces made sense in the 1980s, it doesn’t now, especially for smaller clubs." Cricket and rugby fans are currently allowed to drink in the stands, while football fans are able to in European countries like Germany and Italy. Labour MP Luke Charters has previously called for trials to see what impact lifting the restrictions would have. He said football needs a "modern approach", adding: "Its been 40 years since alcohol was banned in view of the pitch. "You look at fans in Germany and in Italy, they are still able to have a beer while they are cheering on their team." The Football Supporters Association has said it would welcome trials. However, MPs have rejected a Conservative bid to force a consultation on ending the stadium alcohol ban across the top five tiers of men’s football in England. They voted by 346 to 167, majority 179, against adding the Tories’ proposed new clause one to the Football Governance Bill. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats tabled an amendment to ensure that at least 10 Premier League matches - along with the League Cup Final, and the Championship, League One and League Two play-off finals - would be free-to-air. The party said it wants a "free-to-air revolution" that "gives the Premier League back to the country". Its sport spokesperson Max Wilkinson said it would "tear down the paywall and make Premier League games available on free to air channels". He added: "For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier that keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters." A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said: "The Government has no plans to review the listed events regime." The Premier League declined to comment. But it has been reported that making games free-to-air would reduce the value of its UK broadcast contract. And it would also pose a risk to some of the millions of pounds it redistributes within football and elsewhere, it is claimed. For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here .