BBPA produces World Cup guidance for pubs

The new advice has been developed with the support of the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

The World Cup 2014 is being held in Brazil, which means with the time difference, fixtures will be screened later in the evenings.

BBPA is advising licensees to consider contacting the police and licensing officers to let them know in advance of plans for showing World Cup events.

Taxi Numbers​

The trade organisation is also advising licensees to make taxi numbers and late night public transport information readily available to assist customers in leaving the venue safely.

The guidance is intended as a template for pubs, local authorities and police to work together to ensure that the World Cup is a successful occasion. 

It provides a handy checklist for licensees to run through in making sure all angles to running a successful event are considered and covered.

Work with local authorities​

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive said:“Pubs are the home of live sport and they should be at the heart of the 2014 World Cup. This new BBPA guidance has been designed to ensure that Brazil 2014 events can be a success.

"If pubs follow the guidance and work closely with their local authorities, we can ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy this exciting sporting spectacle at their local.”

Ready to help​

Councillor Tony Page, LGA licensing champion, said: “Councils are aware of the importance of the World Cup to residents and are ready to help people celebrate in a safe and responsible manner.

"For many people, watching matches in a local pub is a fundamental part of the whole experience and councils will endeavour to support pubs, clubs and other organisations that wish to offer this facility.

“Councils will always seek to say yes to well-run businesses which have proven that they can cater effectively for selling alcohol at events where emotions run high. However, they also have a responsibility to residents who may live in close proximity to popular venues and may be exposed to significant disturbance as a result.

"Licensees should begin discussions with councils, and their neighbours, at an early stage so that the best solutions can be found."

Safe environment​

ACPO national policing lead on alcohol and licensing, chief constable Adrian Lee, said: “I am pleased to endorse the guidance to publicans for use during this year’s World Cup, along with my colleague deputy chief constable Andy Holt, the national policing lead for football policing.

“Our aim, which we know is shared by the licensed trade, is to ensure that everyone who wishes to can enjoy this summer’s matches in the comfort of their local pub, with friends and fellow enthusiasts is able to do so in a safe environment and that they drink responsibly.

“It is important that that people’s enjoyment of the World Cup takes place in a peaceful and safe manner, and this guidance is a great resource for publicans seeking to make the most of this sporting highlight without compromising on standards.”

For a copy of the guidance click here​.