As excitement for Euro 2024 builds, Samantha Faud, senior associate solicitor, and Kristian Torgersen, apprentice solicitor, from our licensing team look at some practical considerations for the safe management of licensed premises.
Confirmed fixtures for England and Scotland
Kick-off times for group games vary but are generally between 5pm and 8pm. The times below are listed in BST, but Germany is an hour ahead of the UK, so this should be considered when looking at timings.
England
- Sunday 16 June, 8pm
- Thursday 20 June, 5pm
- Tuesday 25 June, 8pm
Scotland
- Friday 14 June, 8pm
- Wednesday 19 June, 8pm
- Sunday 23 June, 8pm
We also know that the semi-finals will be played on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 July, and the final will be played on Sunday 14 July.
Don’t forget, the government has introduced legislation allowing pubs across England and Wales to extend their licensing hours until 1am the following day for those matches, provided either England or Scotland reach these stages.
See here for our e-update on the subject.
Considerations for your premises during Euro 2024
International football tournaments can be a great opportunity to drive footfall to licensed premises, but the emotions that can accompany them can result in more issues and in increased risk.
Here are some practical considerations for the management of your premises during the tournament:
Engage with the Authorities
As you may well be aware, different authorities have differing expectations and requirements as to how those expectations should be met.
We have seen approaches vary from police issuing letters to all licensed premises in an area with rigid instructions on the use of glass, dispersal policies and door staff right through to authorities that have no advice for operators (even if it is asked for).
Whatever the approach of your particular authority, engagement is key. Keep lines of communication open with your local authority and police. It can also be useful to engage with other operators to ensure a consistent approach by premises in the same area.
Use of plastic glasses
It will be appropriate for many premises to consider using plastic glasses, particularly during matches involving home nations.
Whilst it is something that many an ale enthusiast will frown upon, this simple measure can significantly enhance safety, especially in crowded settings where emotions may run high.
Staff preparation
Ensure that your staff are well-prepared for the additional footfall and risks that the tournament may bring.
Evidence of training can demonstrate that you took all available measures to prevent an issue materialising, so it might be prudent to consider training staff in relation to things like over-intoxication and how to de-escalate potential conflicts.
Security measures
Consider increasing or employing door staff during these times. This may be part of your risk assessment in any event, but visible security can deter potential troublemakers as well as assisting with any problems that do materialise.
Crowd control
Plan for effective management of increased footfall. This could include appointing designated entry and exit points and having measures in place to monitor capacity.
Local community relations
With some of the matches falling on weekdays, it is important to have consideration for neighbours that may be affected by increased noise, either from your premises during matches or from dispersing customers afterwards.
Flash points
Certain parts of the tournament can bring an increased risk and that can be predicted. “Grudge” matches warrant particular consideration, as do certain times in all matches that attract footfall.
For example, half time may cause a rush to the bar, so you need to ensure you have your staff ready. Similarly, some premises will be able to predict a mass exodus at full time, which may need management.
We wish everybody a safe, profitable tournament!