World Cup 2026 guidance published with key input from the Institute of Licensing

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has issued new national guidance to help pubs and bars prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — with the Institute of Licensing playing a key role in shaping the final document. The guidance, produced in partnership with UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and supported by National Pubwatch and Best Bar None, sets out practical steps for licensees planning to screen matches between 11 June and 19 July.

The document emphasises early engagement with police and licensing authorities, careful planning around capacity, and robust management practices to ensure safe and successful match days. As the guidance notes, “consideration should be given to contacting the police and/or your local authority Licensing Officer to let them know in advance of your plans” and reminds operators to check licence conditions and submit any required TENs early.

A strong focus is placed on staffing, responsible alcohol service, and proactive communication. Licensees are encouraged to ensure the DPS or a personal licence holder is on duty, that staff are fully briefed, and that measures are in place to prevent excessive drinking. The guidance also highlights the need to manage entry, avoid overcrowding, and consider the use of SIA‑registered door supervisors where appropriate. It warns that “it is an offence to serve somebody who is drunk or to buy a drink for somebody who is already drunk”.

With many fixtures expected to draw large crowds — particularly those involving England or Scotland — the guidance advises operators to think carefully about screen placement, CCTV coverage, smoking areas, and the use of plastic or polycarbonate glassware. Outdoor screenings require additional risk assessment, including noise management, safe structures, and preventing non‑customers viewing screens from outside the premises.

The document also sets out the Government’s confirmed national extension to licensing hours for certain knockout‑stage matches involving a home nation. Premises licensed to 11pm will be able to remain open until 1am or 2am depending on kick‑off time, though group‑stage matches are excluded. For all other late fixtures, operators may need to rely on TENs.

A further section covers counter‑terrorism vigilance, urging venues to ensure staff are alert to suspicious behaviour and aware of reporting routes. The guidance stresses that licensed premises remain attractive targets and that risk assessments should reflect current threat levels.

The Institute of Licensing’s involvement ensures the guidance aligns closely with licensing authority expectations and supports consistent approaches across England and Wales. The IoL’s contribution also reinforces the importance of partnership working between regulators, police and the licensed trade during major sporting events.

The BBPA encourages all licensees to complete and record a full risk assessment ahead of the tournament, noting that such documentation is valuable should incidents occur despite best efforts.