With just under a month until the tournament kicks off, the trade body has issued new guidance to help operators prepare and make the most of the upcoming games.
The guidance, which has been updated since the last World Cup, outlines key considerations for publicans showing matches at their premises.
Compiled by the BBPA in partnership with UKHospitality (UKH), the British Institute of Innkeepers (BII) and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, it aims to encourage licensing authorities, the licensed trade and the police to work together to ensure a safe and successful tournament.
Safe environments
The advice covers everything from staffing to licensing and is supported by the Institute of Licensing, National PubWatch and Best Bar None.
Highlights from the report:
Ahead of the World Cup, the BBPA advised operators to:
- Check the hours and conditions on the Premises Licence to make sure you are complying with all
requirements, and if a Temporary Event Notice is needed. - Pass on any concerns or reports of disorder to local police (and other premises if you are in a local
Pubwatch scheme). - Make sure the DPS is on duty if possible. If not, a duty manager with a personal licence should be
available to oversee the even. - Ensure sufficient staff numbers are in place to cope with the anticipated number of customers, and
that all staff, both permanent and temporary, have had all relevant training. - Make sure the event is discussed with all staff and any local police concerns are addressed
and staff are aware. - While fixtures involving England or Scotland are likely to attract larger numbers of customers to watch
the game in your pub, also be aware of games where the national team playing may also attract a
large following from the local community and plan accordingly. - Consider the use of tickets to control admission and prevent overcrowding.
- Ensure there is sufficient room available for the expected level of customers, and that there are
contingency plans in place if this is exceeded. - Check all fire exits are completely clear and unobstructed and your fire risk assessment is
reviewed accordingly. - Consider the use of plastic glassware such as polycarbonate if necessary, particularly for outside areas
- When serving glass bottles, consider the use of PET bottles or decanting into plastic glassware if
appropriate. - Be aware under-18s may be attracted to watching events and matches in your venue; continue to
be vigilant about preventing the sale of alcohol to them. - Be aware of the need to prevent the use of illegal drugs.
- If you have CCTV, ensure it is fully operational with all cameras recording. Check that cameras are
not obscured by flags or other promotional material that you have used for the duration of the
tournament.
- The full guide can be accessed here
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “The pub has and always will be the home of live sport, and there is no better place to enjoy watching a game of football than at your local with friends and other fans.
Brilliant experience
“With the World Cup fast approaching we want to help pubs prepare the best they can to make the absolute most of the opportunity to draw in customers and provide a brilliant experience for them.
“We are really pleased to be able to provide this guidance alongside industry partners to ensure the tournament can be enjoyed safely and successfully in venues across the UK.”
This is the biggest World Cup to date with 48 nations playing in 104 fixtures across 39 days in three different countries – USA, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will begin on Thursday 11 June in Mexico with the final taking place in New York on Sunday 19 July.
Last month, the Home Office confirmed licensed premises would be permitted to remain open until 01:00 BST for England or Scotland knockout matches kicking off between 17:00 and 21:00, and until 02:00 for matches starting between 21:00 and 22:00.
