With another major football tournament on the horizon, pubs, bars and licensed venues across the UK will be preparing for packed houses, increased footfall and potentially extended opening hours.
For many operators, the focus will quite rightly be on maximising revenue. But there is another consideration that deserves attention: whether their insurance arrangements still reflect how their business will operate during the tournament.
Many business owners assume that if they have the correct licence in place and comply with local authority requirements, their insurance cover will automatically respond as expected. However, commercial insurance policies can contain conditions, warranties and assumptions about how a business operates day-to-day.
Opening hours are one example.
Some insurers assess licensed premises based on their normal trading patterns. If a venue regularly operates beyond the hours disclosed when cover was arranged, or significantly changes its trading activity during a major event, it may create a disconnect between the risk originally presented and the risk the insurer believes it is covering.
That does not automatically mean a claim would be declined. However, it does highlight the importance of understanding what your policy says and ensuring any material changes are discussed with your broker or insurer beforehand.
Increased Revenue Often Means Increased Risk
Major sporting events can transform trading performance overnight.
Extended opening hours, larger crowds, temporary outdoor viewing areas, additional seating, security staff, temporary structures and special events can all help drive revenue. They can also introduce new exposures.
Business owners should consider:
- Whether their opening hours will change.
- If customer numbers are likely to increase significantly.
- Whether outdoor screens, marquees or temporary structures are being installed.
- If additional security or door staff are required.
- Whether fire exits and escape routes remain unobstructed.
- If staffing levels are sufficient to safely manage increased demand.
These operational changes may seem temporary, but from an insurance perspective they can alter the risk profile of the business.
The Importance of Reviewing Policy Conditions
Insurance policies are not all built the same way.
While most business owners focus on policy limits and premiums, conditions within the wording can be equally important. These conditions may relate to areas such as security arrangements, unoccupied periods, maintenance requirements, fire protections or operating hours.
The challenge is that many policyholders only discover these conditions when reviewing documents after a loss has occurred.
A major tournament provides a useful reminder to review insurance arrangements before the crowds arrive rather than afterwards.
Questions Every Licensed Trade Business Should Ask
Ahead of any significant sporting event, pub and restaurant owners should consider asking:
- Does my insurer know about any planned changes to trading hours?
- Are temporary structures or outdoor viewing areas covered?
- Do my liability limits remain appropriate for increased footfall?
- Have I complied with all licensing requirements?
- Are there any policy conditions that could be affected by how I intend to operate during the tournament?
These conversations are often straightforward, but having them in advance can help avoid uncertainty later.
A Good Time for a Health Check
Major sporting events create fantastic opportunities for licensed premises. For many businesses, they represent some of the busiest trading periods of the year.
The key is ensuring that commercial ambition is matched by good risk management. A quick review of insurance arrangements, operating procedures and policy conditions can provide valuable peace of mind and help business owners focus on serving customers rather than worrying about potential gaps in cover.
As venues prepare for kick-off, now may be the perfect time for a commercial insurance health check. Because when it comes to insurance, understanding the small print before the first whistle blows is always preferable to discovering it after the final score.
Author: Simon Thomas
Published: 17/06/26
