Be a responsible world cup host
That’s right – another world cup is just around the corner. As always, many operators will be preparing to make the most of a solid month of live football and, just maybe (with a significant slice of luck), nationwide euphoria.
With matches being televised on free-to-air channels, businesses can show the live action without paying for commercial subscriptions to Sky and BT Sport that are normally required to screen football. Businesses will still need a TV licence, but this means there is great potential for operators who do not usually show live sport to get in on the action, as well as potential for sports-focused premises to make the most of their existing infrastructure.
However, with great business potential comes additional legal responsibility.
Sport undoubtedly generates a great deal of emotion in fans, especially when alcohol is added to the equation. As bar managers up and down the country will testify, that emotion can quickly boil over and trigger incidents for which the operators of licensed premises can ultimately pay the price.
You, therefore, need to consider not only the requirements under your premises licence, but also your general duty to promote the licensing objectives if planning to screen live sports.
In terms of staying incident-free and keeping on the right side of the authorities, be proactive rather than reactive.
For example, if you don’t usually show live football there may not be conditions on your licence to have certain security practices in place, such as Security Industry Authority-certified staff or measures for controlling capacity. Nonetheless, it is prudent to carry out a risk assessment, in respect of crime and disorder and public safety.
A seasoned sports venue may have all of the security measures that the authorities have come to expect, but a summer tournament with four matches in a single day beginning at 11am and
ending at 10pm can bring a whole new set of challenges.
From handing out water and chips to intoxicated and dehydrated customers, to increasing staff at the bar and having sufficient glass collectors, to free lollipops during a mass dispersal of fans after an England win (or loss), there are a lot of steps licensees can take beyond the conditions on their licence to ensure a safe world cup for all.
