Alcohol and drugs
Think before you drink and don’t drink to excess and don't take illegal drugs.
Drinking too much alcohol can have devastating consequences on your life and could lead you into trouble with the police. It can make you more aggressive and more likely to commit a crime.
You’re less in control if you’re drunk and more vulnerable to being a victim of crime, including having your wallet or mobile phone stolen, being assaulted or even sexually assaulted.
Drunken behaviour could result in police action, such as an £80 fine or a night in the cells.
You can still enjoy alcohol but it’s important to drink responsibly to stay safe. You can still have a great time if you alternate alcoholic drinks with soft or low alcohol ones, drink more slowly and consume alcohol with food. Do not be a drain on police resources because you have had too much to drink – take responsibility for yourself.
Road safety
We will be vigilant - as ever - 24/7 throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament. If you're driving, don't drink and/or take drugs. It's not worth the risk.
Stay vigilant when out watching the matches
If you are out watching a match, we advise the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity. Suspicious activity is anything that seems out of place, unusual or just does not seem to fit with day-to-day life. It may be nothing, but if you see or hear anything that could be terror-related, trust your instincts and report it.
Licensees
Hertfordshire Constabulary is looking forward to a peaceful and enjoyable celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ football tournament in Hertfordshire and we have the plans in place to assist with this. There are measures that we would ask licensed premises to consider:
- Additional use of SIA Door Staff.
- Ensure your CCTV systems - where fitted - are fully operative.
- Use of plastic glasses/polycarbonate drinks containers.
- Regular litter/bottle collection and disposal during and after matches.
- Adopting sensible drinks pricing policies, in particular no discounting, e.g., “buy one, get one free” (applies equally to off-licence premises).
- No “payment on entry and all drinks free” promotions.
- Staff training to include legislation that prevents sale of alcohol to drunken persons.
- Robust implementation of age check schemes.
- Make sure the DPS or duty manager is working during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ fixtures. Ensure sufficient staff are working to cope with customer numbers.
- Consider food and soft drink offers where appropriate.
- If there is trouble at your premises, cease serving alcohol and call us immediately.
- If you have to use glasses, then ensure empties are collected regularly and broken glass is cleared quickly.
In addition, we ask that licensed premises please:
- Liaise with our Police Licensing Officers prior to formal application for a Temporary Event. Notices (TEN) on high risk/home team match days - albeit during 2024 normal licensed hours should amply cater for match coverage.
- Notify the Police Licensing Officer in advance of any planned FIFA World Cup 2026™ events type promotions, including the screening of live football matches.