The excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup brings a unique opportunity for bars, restaurants, and social clubs to welcome larger crowds, increase sales, and create memorable experiences for patrons. In several states, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, extended alcohol service hours have been approved to accommodate matches that may occur outside traditional operating times.
While these expanded hours present significant business opportunities, they also introduce additional operational and liability considerations. With several weeks of matches drawing enthusiastic crowds, many establishments may experience sustained periods of increased traffic unlike anything they have encountered before.
Planning ahead can help minimize risks, protect patrons and staff, and ensure your establishment remains focused on providing a safe and enjoyable environment throughout the tournament.
Prepare for Increased Crowds
Large gatherings can quickly create challenges for staff and security personnel. Before the tournament begins, review your occupancy limits and develop a plan to manage crowd flow during peak match times.
Consider:
- Clearly communicating your establishment’s capacity to staff and security personnel.
- Monitoring occupancy levels throughout the event.
- Maintaining an appropriate level of security based on anticipated attendance.
- Establishing procedures for handling unruly or disruptive patrons.
Overcrowded establishments can increase the likelihood of assault and battery incidents, property damage, and other preventable losses.
Consider Safer Beverage Service Options
One important loss prevention strategy during high-volume events is evaluating the type of drinkware being used.
When dealing with large crowds and extended operating hours, consider replacing traditional glassware with plastic cups or aluminum bottles whenever practical. These alternatives can significantly reduce the risk of injuries resulting from broken glass and may help prevent property damage during particularly busy periods.
This simple adjustment can be an effective way to reduce potential claims while improving overall patron safety.
Reinforce Responsible Alcohol Service
Extended operating hours can make it more difficult for staff to track alcohol consumption throughout an event. Now is an excellent time to review responsible beverage service practices with all employees.
Key reminders include:
- Always verify identification and ensure alcohol is not served to minors.
- Refuse service to patrons who display visible signs of intoxication.
- Address disruptive or aggressive behavior promptly.
- Encourage bartenders and servers to communicate with one another regarding guests who may have been served at multiple locations within the establishment.
Consistent communication among staff members can help prevent overservice and reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related incidents.
Encourage Safe Transportation
As celebrations continue into late hours, transportation planning becomes increasingly important.
Consider promoting ride-sharing services through signage, social media, table tents, or verbal reminders from staff. Encouraging patrons to arrange safe transportation before leaving your establishment can help reduce impaired driving risks and support the safety of both your customers and your community.
Don’t Forget the Food
Food service remains one of the most effective ways for supporting responsible alcohol consumption.
Promote appetizers, meals, and food specials throughout match days and encourage patrons to eat while consuming alcoholic beverages. Offering food throughout the event can help create a more balanced guest experience while supporting safer alcohol service practices.
A Winning Strategy
The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring energy, excitement, and increased business to hospitality venues across our area. By taking proactive steps now, reviewing security plans, reinforcing responsible alcohol service, managing occupancy, and considering safer beverage service options, owners and operators can help protect their businesses while delivering a positive experience for patrons.
At Hospitality Insurance Group, we encourage our policyholders to focus on prevention as the first line of defense against losses. A well-prepared operation is better positioned to capitalize on the opportunities of the tournament while minimizing unnecessary risk.
We wish all of our hospitality partners a safe, successful, and profitable World Cup season.
The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity and should not constitute a legal opinion or professional advice.