Leyton Orient have announced a trial that will allow fans to drink beer in the stands during their League One match against Bolton Wanderers this weekend. The club will offer supporters the chance to enjoy low-alcohol beverages while watching the game from their Brisbane Road pitch.

This move challenges the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985, which prohibits football fans from drinking within sight of the pitch, a rule some believe contributes to half-time binge drinking at matches. However, as part of a four-match trial, Orient will permit fans to consume low-alcohol drinks in the stands. The selection of IPA, cider and beer will be limited to 0.5 per cent alcohol content, with Leyton Orient chief Mark Devlin insisted that "what we can do is try and find smarter ways to try and improve our supporters' experiences at home fixtures".

Drinking at Brisbane Road isn't a new phenomenon this season, as the Women's Super League allows spectators to drink full-strength beer in their seats. Tottenham Hotspur play most of their matches at the east London venue.

"We have been looking at the possibility of running a trial of this nature for some time," Devlin added, noting that there was some support for the trial.

To ensure full-strength alcoholic beverages don't make their way to the seats, the section of Brisbane Road participating in the trial will not be able to purchase them on the concourse.

Devlin stated: "We understand that some supporters may still want to enjoy a more traditional beer before the match or at half time, but I'd ask them to approach the trial with an open mind.

"The low alcohol options will allow fans to take their drinks to their seats and will also reduce the rush of needing to quickly consume drinks before the start of the match and at half-time.

"For those fans who really want their traditional beer, we will allow them to move their seats for any of the matches that fall under the trial period."