Just two days after David Clifton’s World Cup related article for Pub & Bar “Looking forward to some positive goals” was published, the British Beer & Pub Association (“BBPA”) has produced (with the support of the Local Government Association and the National Police Chiefs’ Council) guidance for pubs with the aim of encouraging police, licensing authorities and the licensed trade to work together to ensure a safe and successful tournament and, in the process, to help ensure that this year’s FIFA World Cup screenings in pubs and bars are a success. That guidance can be downloaded below.

In its accompanying press release, the BBPA states:

“The guidance is intended as a template for pubs, local authorities and police to work together to ensure that the FIFA World Cup is an enjoyable occasion for all. It provides a handy checklist for licensees to run through in making sure all angles are covered for busy and successful screenings. Advice for pubs includes contacting the police and licensing officers to let them know plans for showing FIFA World Cup events, making public transport information readily available to assist customers in leaving venues safely, and being vigilante for suspicious behaviour or anything that seems out of place or unusual.”

BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds says that:

“Pubs are the home of live sport and will be at the heart of the World Cup for those fans who won’t be making it to Russia. This new BBPA guidance has been designed to help pubs have a successful tournament by working closely with their local authorities to ensure as many people as possible choose to enjoy the football at their local.”

and a spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs’ Council is quoted as saying:

“We welcome the guidance published by the BBPA and hope that premises adopt the good practice it contains, this will help ensure that all those who wish to watch the World Cup in Pubs, Bars and Clubs can do so in as safe an environment as possible.”