Hospitality industry warned not to overlook health and safety during The World Cup

4th June 2010, 2:41pm

As the World Cup approaches, environmental health consultancy Perry Scott Nash is urging hotels, pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes not to overlook the health and safety issues around entertaining large crowds of fans.

Janet Cox, client services director at Perry Scott Nash, said: "The Hospitality industry has suffered just as much as any other sector during the recession. So it is understandable that the vast majority of businesses are looking to the World Cup as an opportunity to recover some of the losses they have been carrying for the last couple of years."

"However, if they overlook their legal responsibilities to their customers and staff, the repercussions could be severe – a hefty fine, loss of licence or prosecution."

To help businesses avoid the risks of breaking the law, Perry Scott Nash has created a 'World Cup 2010 Risk Assessment' guide which has identified four main areas that licensed premises need to be aware of: the control of alcohol sales, the potential for violence and disorder, emergency evacuations and the security of staff and the public.

The World Cup 2010 Risk Assessment covers the nature of each individual hazard, the risk it presents, the groups at risk e.g., staff, customers, police etc and recommendations for minimising the risks.

Cox added: "No-one wants to put a damper on the euphoria surrounding the World Cup and businesses do need to seize the opportunities it presents. By following the guidance we are giving, however, hopefully the 2010 World Cup will be remembered for the best of reasons, not the worst."

Related Articles:

• 11 Jun 2010 - Footy fans team up with pubs to tackle beer tax plans
• 02 Jun 2010 - World Cup 2010 advice for licensees

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