BUSINESSES are being warned not to fall foul of laws which protect the Commonwealth Games from being exploited for commercial ends.
The sporting extravaganza includes two events in Warwick district – the nine-day lawn and para bowls competitions in Leamington’s Victoria Park, between July 29 and August 6, and the women’s and men’s cycling road races, starting and finishing in Warwick, on Sunday August 7.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) say the Games – running from July 28 to August 8 – will see the introduction of temporary advertising and trading measures that may impact on county businesses.
The Birmingham Commonwealth Games Act 2020 already prohibits unauthorised businesses from associating themselves with the Games – such as by selling t-shirts and other memorabilia or food items carrying wording that suggests an association with the Games, such as ‘Birmingham Games 2022’ or ‘Going for Gold XXII’.
The Act also temporarily restricts unauthorised advertising and trading in and around Game locations, including Victoria Park, Warwick’s St Nicholas Park and along the cycle road race route.
In the vicinity of certain Games locations at certain times it will be an offence to promote a product, service, or business to members of the public – such as by advertising on a poster or billboard or by handing out flyers or promotional giveaways.
Exceptions exist to help minimise disruption to existing businesses, including the regulations not applying to adverts displayed inside buildings or on enclosed land or to ‘business as usual’ advertising.
WCC spokesman Coun Andy Crump said: “These measures are necessary to protect the sponsors whose financial contributions are helping to pay for the Commonwealth Games and reduce public costs. Our trading standards service are happy to provide informal advice to businesses around what this might mean for them.”
Warwickshire Trading Standards officers will be available throughout the Games to provide help and advice and assist Warwickshire businesses to comply with the temporary regulations.
Warwickshire businesses can contact Warwickshire Trading Standards by emailing [email protected]
Further guidance about the advertising and trading measures under Birmingham Commonwealth Games Act is available on the Commonwealth Games at www.birmingham2022.com/getset/advertising-trading
For more information about the Commonwealth Games in Warwickshire, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/birmingham-commonwealth-games-2022
