UEFA European Championship Bill: BRIA

Competition Assessment

A relatively small number of suppliers (compared to those operating in Glasgow as a whole) could be directly limited, but only when the event zones are in operation. The Scottish Government anticipates that the impact on street traders will be mitigated by the duty the Act places on Glasgow City Council to offer them alternative trading arrangements.

In relation to advertising, the Scottish Government has set out exceptions to the advertising offence through regulations. Examples of these exceptions are set out elsewhere in this BRIA. These exceptions will help to minimise the impact on businesses.

As the regulations will restrict trading and advertising in the event zones for specified event periods there will be some impact on competition. This is expected to benefit championship sponsors and authorised traders who will be able to operate in the event zones with reduced competition. We think that this impact on competition is proportionate given the overall size and economic benefit of the event to Glasgow as a whole. Where the regulations do apply it will be for a short time and within a limited geographical area. We are not making a permanent change to business. As UEFA is the only authorised seller of match tickets, the ticket touting restrictions should not have an impact on competition.

As with the Scottish Firms Impact Test, the Scottish Government does not regard the impact on competition to be substantial, widespread or long lasting and as such it is considered that this policy does not raise competition concerns.