The GFCSC reacts to the new Gills' Food & Drinks policy

Gillingham Football Club – external food & drink policy

The Gillingham FC Supporters’ Club were very surprised to learn of the football club’s decision to ban drink (except for a 500ml plastic water bottle) and all external food from Priestfield Stadium. However, we were not surprised to learn of supporters’ reaction to this new policy, which in the main has been very negative.

We feel that this change has not been thought through by the club and it would surely have been more diplomatic for this to have been announced at the forthcoming Fans’ Forum where the club could explain their reasons behind it and could then gauge – and act – on the reaction of supporters.

For a long while the GFCSC have been talking regularly with the club about the poor service and often long wait times at the food and drink outlets on matchdays, which still need considerable improvement to enhance the ‘matchday experience’.

We would echo the questions of many supporters: ‘Does this ‘ban’ include packets of sweets? Are diabetics permitted to bring in a chocolate bar or similar without a doctors’ note? Are the club intending policing this change by searching every supporter at the turnstiles? Are the club aware that most NHS doctors no longer provide a 'doctor's note' on such issues, but when they do, they charge around £25-£40 for the service?’

We are aware that several other League Two clubs operate similar policies but most operate with more flexibility allowing, for example, cold sandwiches and sealed non-alcoholic drinks up to 500 ml in plastic bottles.

Gillingham FC Supporters’ Club

23^rd July 2026