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Counter Terrorism Policing North-West World Cup campaigns

We have been asked to share details of CTP Summer Vigilance campaign which includes digital assets for World Cup related events.

With the UK threat level recently being raised to severe, it is more important than ever that the public are encouraged to report anything that doesn’t feel right.

We’re asking event organisers to help us share and amplify our important safety messages ‘If you see something that doesn’t feel right, report it’.

The materials on this page are designed for use in and around sporting venues or fan zones.

We would greatly value your support in amplifying our campaign messages through your available channels. You can support the campaign by doing the following:

  • Familiarise yourself with the campaign materials and ensure staff understand the campaign message.
  • Use our freely available materials to promote key messages using your platforms to reach your staff, contractors and guests/visitors. Consider where the campaign will be most visible in your setting. Materials and assets can be used on social media channels, email, website, digital displays etc.
  • Promote ACT Awareness e-learning training to your staff and contractors.
  • Lastly, share how you’re playing a part in keeping people safe – we would love to receive photos and feedback.
  • Social Media images

A full range of ready to use assets and guidance for both of the campaigns can be found below:

Summer Campaign Digital Toolkit

Summer Vigilance Campaign Digital Toolkit – Sporting Events

 

The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026

The Government has now made The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026, confirming extended opening hours for licensed premises in England and Wales, during key stages of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

The Order was made on 12th May 2026 and will come into force on 8th June 2026. You can access the order by following the link above.

The Order permits pubs, bars, clubs and other on‑trade premises already licensed for on‑sales of alcohol, to stay open later on the days of specified knockout‑stage matches, the round of 32, round of 16, quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and the final, but only when England or Scotland are playing. Where this applies, operators will not need to submit a Temporary Event Notice to benefit from the extended hours.

The following is hopefully an explanation for anyone who is considering opening beyond their permitted hours:

“The Order only extends to premises in England and Wales, and only when England or Scotland are playing in one of the games listed in the Order. 

Without going into the minutiae of each and every date and time that is specified, the Order extends the period when alcohol can be sold for two hours from 23:00, so until 01:00 the following morning, for any knock-out game involving England or Scotland which kicks off on or before 21:00, and for three hours from 23:00, so until 02:00 the following morning, for any knock-out game involving England or Scotland which kicks off after 21:00 but on or before 22:00.

The Order is very much as the Home Office had suggested it would be, but what it does mean is that any knock-out game kicking off after 22:00 is not covered by the Order and in order to extend any hours on a Premises Licence a Temporary Event Notice would need to be issued.

The Order does not extend the hours for entertainment. The hours for late night refreshment are also extended if the premises are also licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises to 23:00.

Premises need to be very careful should one of the home nations reach the final because the Order only extends the hours for premises which are licensed to sell alcohol until 23:00 on Sunday 19th July 2026. 

There will be many pubs which are only licensed to 22:30 on a Sunday and, therefore, the Order will remarkably not extend the hours for those pubs for the final if the pub is only licensed until 22:30, and the only way to extend the hours for those pubs on the day of the final therefore would be by way of a Temporary Event Notice.”

Attached to this email is a guidance document, ‘Managing World Cup 2026 Success - Advice for licensees showing FIFA World Cup football matches’, issued by the British Beer & Pub Association. This document outlines best practice and contains useful advice for venues. 

Plus, White Ribbon UK has developed a free Match Day Kit containing practical tools and resources to help individuals, venues, communities, and other organisations promote respect, support others and speak up safely throughout the tournament.

Find out more about the campaign and download the Match Day Kit

Also attached is the flowchart included in our original email. This highlights relevant dates for Temporary Event Notices and will help you with planning.

Please could we ask you to keep both the Police and Licensing Unit informed of any planned events. Then finally, submit any Temporary Event Notices as soon as possible and complete the attached form, so events can be factored into our contingency planning.

World Cup 2026 guidance

Planning for the World Cup 2026 -  Matches, timings and TENs dates

Planning for the World Cup 2026 - Events and Promotions


Planning for the World Cup 2026 - events and promotions

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is being held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada between the 11th of June and 19th July 2026. Due to the location, kick off times are primarily in the evening and early hours of the morning.

This will be an exciting time for supporters as both England and Scotland have qualified.

Operators and licence holders may wish to hold specific ‘events’ or ‘promotions’ before, during, and after matches to maximise footfall. 

You can submit a TEN via Bolton Council’s website by following this link: Business and licensing: Apply for a temporary event notice

We would urge you to not utilise the Late TEN process. If an objection is received to a Late TEN from the Police or Environmental Health (Regulatory Services) your event will not be permitted. It’s vital that TENs are submitted in good time, and we would encourage you to submit TENs as soon as possible. Attached below is a useful document provided by one of the licensing practitioners, which outlines matches, timings and TENs dates.

Consideration should be paid to the additional risks associated with any additional hours sought, and risk assessments carried out to ascertain what additional safeguards should be put in place, to ensure the licensing objectives are promoted, for example: are additional door staff needed; should there be additional staff training; should polycarbonate glassware be used; how will customers be getting home from early morning kick-offs?

The Government has outlined its intention to make a contingent licensing hours order (please note the order has not yet been approved) for England and Wales, so communities can come together at their local licensed premises to support the qualifying home nations (England and Scotland) beyond the group stages.

Extract from Relaxation of licensing hours for the Men's Football World Cup 2026 - GOV.UK

When a home nation is playing, we will extend licensing hours:

  • from 11pm to 1am for kick-offs from 5pm up to 9pm
  • from 11pm to 2am for kick-offs after 9pm up to 10pm

for the:

  • round of 32
  • round of 16
  • quarter-finals
  • semi-finals
  • bronze medal match
  • final

Matches starting before 5pm or after 10pm will not benefit from a national extension.

Individual licensed on-trade venues can apply for temporary event notices so their venue can stay open longer.

If no home nation is playing in any matches that qualify for the extension, the order will not apply.

This instrument will allow licensed premises in England and Wales already licensed to 11pm, and subject to their existing licence conditions, to remain open for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises and provision of late-night refreshment.

Planning for the World Cup 2026 -  Matches, timings and TENs dates


World Cup business engagement

Ahead of the World Cup, please find attached a leaflet from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service which outlines important fire safety considerations to help you plan and manage events safely.

The link and QR code provided at the bottom of the leaflet will direct you to the relevant webpage, where you will find further information, guidance, a video, and a survey.

Please review this information and ensure appropriate measures are in place at your premises.


Summer Fire Safety

As we step into summer, a season marked by several key events that can boost your trade and footfall, we want to underscore the critical importance of maintaining fire safety within your premises. This not only ensures the well-being of your staff but also safeguards your customers.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has provided valuable fire safety information to assist you and your staff in making your premises safer. By raising awareness and educating people about fire safety measures, we can collectively create a safer environment. Attached, you’ll find three documents containing useful guidance on how to comply with the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005, which applies to all licensed premises.

Additionally, we invite you to participate in an anonymous feedback survey. Your insights are invaluable, and we are committed to continuously improving our services. If you could spare 5 minutes to complete the survey, we would greatly appreciate it.

Take survey

Related documents


Pubs and bars are able to stay open until 5am on Monday 6 July 2026

As you may be aware, the government have confirmed pubs and bars will be able to stay open until 5am on Monday morning, 6 July 2026, so England fans can come together to watch the World Cup last 16 match against Mexico.

In a “boost for pubs, bars and football fans” across the country, alcohol licensing hours will be extended for Monday morning’s match which kicks off at 1am.

This change removes the need for individual premises in England and Wales to apply for extended hours, delivering a welcome boost to the hospitality sector.

Further information is available at GOV.UK at Pubs to stay open for Sunday night's England v Mexico World Cup match - GOV.UK

Please do not hesitate to contact the Licensing Unit if you have any questions.


Football fans urged not to drink and drive ahead of the World Cup

As the World Cup kicks off between 11 June and 19 July, TfGM are urging football fans not to drink, or take drugs, and drive. Drink and drug use amongst drivers increases every year over the summer period, and this years World Cup is an additional factor at play which could contribute to an increase.

Safer Roads Greater Manchester's key aim is to reduce all KSIs (killed or seriously injured casualties) across Greater Manchester. This marketing campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks and consequences that drink and drug driving can cause.

Link to a full suite of materials in the slide pack

This includes:

  • Newsletter banners
  • Email banners
  • Pub screen graphics
  • Posters
  • Social Media images

Key messages for fans

  • Drink and drug driving can have serious consequences including injuring yourself and others.
  • If you are caught drink/drug driving, you will lose your licence and get a fine.
  • Plan your lift or taxi before the match and leave your car at home. Ensure you have a designated driver who will not drink to get you home safely.
  • You could still be under the influence the morning after drinking/taking drugs.

How you can help?

Please help encourage safer driving and reduce collisions by sharing this campaign on your social feeds. The partner toolkit has social captions, key messages, and social media assets to help you spread the word.

#VisionZeroGM


Action Counter Terrorism (ACT) Engagement Event 2025 - North West 

Please note: this event took place in 2025.

We have been asked to share the below with all our licensed premises by Counter Terrorism Policing North West

Please see attached NW ACT engagment event flyer. 

You are invited to the below event. This event is aimed at raising awareness of the CT threat and we will be signposting businesses to advice, guidance and providing them with updates on the work that police and partners do to mitigate the terrorist threat.

If you / any businesses would like to be notified of any future free CT awareness events that we run in the NW then please email CTSA@gmp.police.uk and a member of the team will add you onto our Business Sentinel list.


Christmas and New Year 2023

Licensees should remember that both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on a Sunday this year.  

This means that, unless you have a special authorisation on your premises licence for Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve with extended hours, the hours permitted on your licence will be those for a Sunday, which traditionally can be less than other days of the week.

Check your premises licence and see whether you have any special permissions for Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve trading, and if so, check that those permissions apply to all the licensable activities you plan to offer on those nights – the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment etc.

You have time to apply for a temporary event notice (TEN) if your premises licence doesn’t permit what you need.

For Christmas Eve extensions you must submit your TEN by 8 Decembe,r or by 15 December for a Late TEN.

Please remember the Police or Environmental Health can refuse a Late TEN.

For New Year’s Eve the last dates for submitting your TEN is 13 December or 20 December for a Late TEN.

Please note:

During the festive period there may be a delay in processing applications.

Our offices will be closed on 25th - 26th December 2023 and 1 January 2024. Between these dates the office will be operating a reduced service.  

Please ensure applications are submitted in good time with all supporting documentation required.

 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Winter Licensing Campaign 2023

Please see attached communication we have been asked to share on behalf of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

"GMFRS are writing to invite you to attend a free online Fire Safety presentation to help you understand your legal responsibilities under the Fire Safety Order and to help you protect your business from fire.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is hosting these presentations as part of their commitment to supporting businesses across Greater Manchester.

The Christmas period is a busy one for hospitality premises dates in order to support hospitality businesses GMFRS is pleased to offer you an opportunity a presentation which will be held over two dates highlighting the importance of fire safety and some of the increased risks of fire over the Christmas and new year period.

These online events are provided free of charge and are aimed at people who own or manage pubs, bars and clubs across Greater Manchester.

Please see attached letter for full details and instructions how to book on to the free sessions.

Also included is a short advice sheet with some key information for you to consider to ensure that you are complying with your legal obligations in relation to Fire Safety.

Further advice and information can be found on our website, www.manchesterfire.gov.uk under Business Fire Safety."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service winter licensing campaign 2023

 

Fire Safety Advice: Risks from flammable decorations

Please see the Fire Safety Advice: Risks from flammable decorations letter we have been asked to share with all licenced premises on behalf of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) to raise awareness of the potential fire risk in relation to decorations used to line walls and ceilings in hospitality premises.

 

Poster for spiking

Dear Licence Holder, Designated Premises Supervisor, Manager,

Please find a Spiking poster from the College of Policing, which is connected to drink spiking. This explains what spiking is, and what to do if you think a member of staff, customer or you have been spiked, and what happens when you’re tested.

Please speak to all your staff, including door staff, about the content of this poster, and display copies of it in appropriate areas inside your venue, for example the toilets and bar area.

Your support will assist with our ongoing work and investigations into spiking incidents.

 

Should we keep rules around alcohol and behaviour?

Bolton Council’s consultation on alcohol and antisocial behaviour, crime and disorder closes in just over a week (Thursday 05 October). Don’t miss your chance to have your say on this important topic.

The current rules allow the police and authorised personnel to tell people to stop drinking alcohol if they believe it is fuelling anti-social behaviour, crime or disorder. However, the rules are being reviewed and we need to know whether there is support to continue them for another three years.

Please help to spread the word about the consultation and have your say at https://bit.ly/Alcohol_PSPO23.

Bonfire night

As Bonfire night approaches we are aware many licensed premises will be holding events.  Firework displays should be enjoyable occasions but safety is paramount and planning is essential.

The links below give advice on how to run an outdoor firework display safely.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact your local fire station.


Should we keep rules around alcohol and behaviour?

Should we continue to control the consumption of alcohol in Bolton’s public places when it is linked to anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder?

Bolton Council is holding a consultation as the current rules are being reviewed and we need to know whether there is public support to continue them.

They allow the police and authorised personnel to tell people to stop consuming alcohol if they believe it is fuelling anti-social behaviour, crime or disorder.

Please help to spread the word about the consultation and have your say at https://bit.ly/Alcohol_PSPO23


2022 World Cup

The documents linked below contain advice for premises during the 2022 World Cup.


Online workshops

In the run up to the FIFA World Cup and the Christmas season, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service are keen to work with licensed premises to help you understand how to keep your staff and customers safe. 

Pease see attached letter from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) to invite you to attend a free online Fire Safety Seminar which is being held in conjunction with Bolton Council.  The seminars are aimed at supporting people who own or manage hospitality businesses to help them understand their legal responsibilities for fire safety and help protect their business from fire.

The workshops will cover the following topics:

  • The Fire Safety Order 2005 and how it applies to your business
  • How to comply with the Fire Safety Order
  • Guidance on the requirements in completing a suitable fire risk assessment
  • Suitable alarm systems
  • Ensuring safe escape from your premises

The first of the online workshops was held on Wednesday 28 September and further workshops are to be held on:

4 October - 1pm – 3pm
13 October - 10am – 12 noon
20 October - 2pm – 4pm

Anyone who owns or manages a licensed or other hospitality business can register for these online workshops via EventBrite.

Please note that the workshops are only open to businesses in Greater Manchester.