Licensing Act 2003 - Good Practice for Pubs During the World Cup

During FIFA World Cup fixtures, premises licence holders should ensure they continue to promote the four licensing objectives under the Licensing Act 2003.

Operators are encouraged to undertake event risk assessments, review staffing levels, manage customer behaviour proactively, prevent underage sales, minimise public nuisance, and comply with all premises licence conditions. Early liaison with local licensing officers and police is recommended for fixtures expected to attract significant attendance.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, premises must promote the four licensing objectives:

1. Prevention of crime and disorder
2. Public safety
3. Prevention of public nuisance
4. Protection of children from harm

Guidanceand Tips

Prevent Crime and Disorder

• Ensure sufficient staff are on duty for high-profile matches.
• Consider using SIA-licensed door supervisors where risk assessments indicate a need.
• Operate and maintain CCTV systems.
• Challenge intoxicated customers and refuse service where appropriate.
• Have procedures for dealing with disorder, violence, and ejections.

Maintain Public Safety

• Complete event-specific risk assessments for major fixtures.
• Monitor occupancy limits and avoid overcrowding.
• Keep fire exits clear and unobstructed.
• Ensure temporary screens, speakers, and decorations do not create safety hazards.
• Train Staff on emergency procedures.

Prevent Public Nuisance

• Control noise from televisions, outside areas, and departing customers.
• Manage smoking areas to minimise disturbance.
• Display notices asking patrons to leave quietly.
• Consider additional litter patrols after matches.
• Monitor queues and outdoor drinking areas.
• Keep noise to a minimum and consider keeping it inside the premises.

Protect Children from Harm

• Operate an age-verification policy such as Challenge 25.
• Ensure staff understand underage sales legislation.
• Consider supervision arrangements where families are attending screenings.
• Monitor the suitability of the environment during late-night fixtures

Licence Considerations

Before showing World Cup matches, premises should check:

• Whether opening hours and alcohol sales hours cover the fixture times.
• Whether any Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is required if trading beyond normal licensed hours.
• Whether conditions on the premises licence affect capacity, door supervision, outdoor areas, or entertainment

World-Cup-2026-Guidance-final.pdf

"Plan,Prepare, Prevent – Together we can make the World Cup enjoyable and safe foreveryone."