A poster that pubs can use to advertise that they will be showing the Olympic Games has been welcomed by the British Beer & Pub Association. Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds says she hopes it will help allow pubgoers to enjoy the excitement of the Games – just as they have been for Euro 2012.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has designed the poster, and in most cases its use should ensure that businesses can stick to the brand guidelines on how they associate themselves with the Olympics. There are, however, a number of caveats around the use of the poster, which the BBPA will be seeking to clarify.
Brigid Simmonds comments: “It is good to have an official ‘watch the games here’ poster to enable pubs to advertise that they are showing the Games and encourage customers to watch.
“We will however explore further the guidance around its use, as I hope the rules will not restrict some pub chains from having a poster.
“Whilst we all support and understand the rights of brands who have paid millions of pounds to sponsor the Olympic and Paralympics, it would be great for a pub to be able to say simply on its chalkboard ‘We are showing the Olympic Games here’.
“Watching sport in a pub is now part of our DNA. The Olympics and Paralympics offer pubs a real focus for the summer. If estimates of a £750 million retail spend come to fruition, pubs need the ability to market their premises to visitors and the local community who can drink a pint and watch and support their team.”
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