BBPA outlines pub tactics ahead of UEFA Euro 2020
With live sport a hugely important part of the pub experience, and UEFA Euro 2020 the first major sporting tournament aired in pubs since their reopening from the third Covid-19 lockdown, the BBPA has drawn up guidance for operators looking to screen any of the competition’s 51 fixtures.
With Kantar data revealing that pub going sport fans stay 25 minutes longer and spend 30% more, it’s no surprise to hear that almost nine-out-of-ten (89%) operators plan to show games from this summer’s Euro 2020 – with half of those claiming they will show as many games as they can, according to Matchpint data.
The tournament tactics have been developed by the BBPA alongside the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), UKHospitality (UKH), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the Local Government Association (LGA).
Bullet point list
The guidance aims to help pubs, other licensed venues, licensing authorities and the police all work together to ensure a safe environment for both customers and staff, while enabling pub goers to enjoy the much-missed freedom of visiting the pub to watch the football.
It provides a simple bullet point list for publicans to ensure that all aspects of trade are considered and any appropriate steps are taken for successful screenings – whether indoors or outdoors.
The guidance also notes the extra safety measures required due to Covid-19 and in particular workplace guidance for pubs.
Furthermore, it also includes guidance pubs should consider with regards to security and suspicious behaviour, in particular counter-terrorism measures.
‘The home of live sport’
Introducing the BBPA’s pre-tournament guidance, chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Pubs are the home of live sport and we cannot wait for the Euros and watching together a major tournament in the pub once more.
“This new guidance we have created with fellow trade bodies and the authorities will help pubs have a successful Euros.
“It is important people can enjoy the much-missed freedom of watching the football at the pub, but this guidance will help ensure everyone’s safety both in terms of Covid-19 but also any suspicious or antisocial behaviour.”
Councillor Nesil Caliskan, chair of the LGA’s safer and stronger communities board, added: “Councils have been working hard to support businesses to reopen and will continue to work with businesses to ensure they are operating safely as Covid-19 regulations ease and the Euro 2020 tournament begins.
“We’re all looking forward to being able to watch a live sporting event with friends and family once again but should make sure we are following Government coronavirus guidelines and respecting the rules put in place by the premises so everyone can enjoy the football safely.”
The guidance for pubs is free and available to all publicans and operators as a PDF download here.
