News: Let the Games Begin
- Date: 02/06/2010
- Source: Poppleston Allen
- Author/Solicitor: Clare Eames
The relatively brief document, aimed at local police forces, starts with its stated aim of ensuring that premises showing World Cup games do so in a safe and responsible way whilst not adversely impacting on the enjoyment of their customers and their wider public. However the document then goes on to make certain recommendations which include the following:
• Planning targeted visits to highlighted premises where intelligence suggests there may be issues;
• Demand comprehensive risk assessments from premises;
• Consider use of Closure Notices and Closure Orders if premises fail to comply with any existing licence conditions, fail to co-operate with the Police through Action Plans or fail to manage their own premises effectively;
• A revised baseline standard for CCTV systems;
• Require use of safer glassware including polycarbonates in premises;
• Possible objections to any last minute TENs;
• Consider conducting test purchase operations;
• Send letters to premises outlining expectations and indicating that failure to follow advice may result in a premises closure or review.
It then finishes with a handy reminder of all the relevant closure powers.
What is concerning (apart from the obvious questions of what power do the police have to "demand" risk assessments for example) is that whilst the document purports at the beginning to be aimed at working in partnership with licensed premises, you would be forgiven by the end of the document for thinking that it may actually be simpler to not actually show any World Cup matches.
For more information please contact Clare Eames
