Running events without the correct licence is a criminal offence and could carry penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment
Courts now have the power to impose unlimited financial penalties in serious cases
Unauthorised World Cup events may face immediate venue closure for up to 48 hours, potential criminal convictions for organisers, and a full licence review
The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts this week, creating a buzz across UK hospitality venues and an opportunity to increase footfall and revenue from football fans. It’s estimated that 12.4 million Brits will be watching from a hospitality venue, according to a survey by Voucher Codes, with spending expected to reach around £898 million across the UK’s many pubs, clubs, bars, social clubs, sports clubs and restaurants.
However, licensing solicitor, Julie Gowland, warns that last-minute events and careless planning could turn the tournament from a profitable business opportunity, into a business nightmare.
Julie Gowland, Partner, Head of Licensing at Birketts LLP told Monster-Mesh,
“Running events without the correct licence is a criminal offence and could carry penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. Although the screening of a live World Cup match on TV does not need a specific licence under the Licensing Act 2003, venues must have the right setup in place, and in some cases additional permissions such as a TV licence or, a commercial subscription such as Sky Sports or TNT Sports if the match is not free to air on TV.”
Julie adds,
“Overall, compliance with premises licence conditions is essential. Venues must actively manage risks such as overcrowding, poor safety practices and repeated noise issues, as failures in these areas can lead to prosecution. Historically, these offences have carried fines of up to £20,000, although courts now have the power to impose unlimited financial penalties in serious cases.”
During a time when the hospitality industry is already financially stretched, these fines could be business ending for some, making it even more vital that businesses remain compliant. Aside from fines following the event, venues could be immediately shut down during the match, and a rushed setup could trigger immediate intervention or even worse, prosecution. Julie warns,
“Under Licensing Law, aside from the financial penalties, authorities have wide powers to step in if venues undermine the licensing objectives of public safety, the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. Such powers can mean a review of the premises licence, tighter operating hours, suspension of trading or ultimately revocation of the licence, effectively shutting the business down.”
Julie adds,
"Police or licensing officers can shut the event down on the spot; closure notices can require premises to close for up to 48 hours, individuals can be prosecuted for organising licensable activities without authorisation and so criminal convictions can be a real possibility. Even a single major incident can trigger a premises licence review."
Pubs can fall into this trap due to poor understanding around licensing, a lack of communication with authorities and a "last-minute scramble" to put on an event, which leads to simple mistakes. Julie explains,
“Last minute setups often overlook licence conditions such as CCTV requirements, door supervision thresholds, and use of outdoor space - early engagement with licensing authorities and police, careful planning around capacity, and robust management practices to ensure safe and successful match days is key.”
While Julie highlights the legal boundaries, Mark McLennan, Founder at Monster-Mesh, event branding specialists, notes that physical layout and proper signage are where legal compliance and revenue generation meet. Rushed outdoor setups often fail because they don't look at how crowd management tools can actually protect a venue legally while driving profit.
Mark’s 5 Tips For Hosting A Successful Event
Brand the perimeter: Use custom fence covers on approach gates to build instant fan anticipation and block out unsightly street views.
Monetise crowd barriers: Turn mandatory safety and queue barriers into high-value advertising space with branded covers.
Create photo backdrops: Set up branded media walls and stage backdrops to capture free organic marketing when fans post celebrations online.
Zone with café barriers: Use café barriers to cleanly separate food and drink queues from the main viewing area without blocking sightlines.
Choose weather-proof mesh: Opt for high-permeability airmesh banners for outdoor setups so high winds don't knock down your fencing.
Find out more about event safety and best practice on the Monster-Mesh blog or reach out to Julie Gowland and the team at Birketts LLP for licensing support.
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