With less than 50 days to go until Cardiff officially kicks off the Olympic Games on July 25, Cardiff Council Trading Standards is offering free advice and support to city centre businesses and traders about changes to advertising and trading regulations that will come into effect in the designated ‘event zone’ during ‘gaming periods’.
Cardiff has three gaming periods which cover the 11 Olympic football matches being staged at the Millennium Stadium:
24 – 28 July
30 July – 4 August
9 – 10 August.
Any trader or business intending to operate in the ‘event zone’ – the area surrounding the Millennium Stadium – during these periods will need to strictly adhere to the Olympic Delivery Authority’s (ODA) advertising and trading regulations. Anyone caught in breach of these rules and regulations could face a heavy fine and/or prosecution by the ODA and the London Olympic Games Organising Committee (LOGOC).
Councillor Ashley Govier, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Although the ODA is solely responsible for the introduction and enforcement of these regulations, we appreciate that some traders may still be confused about the process and what is required from them.
“We have strong links with Cardiff’s business community and we want to work with retailers and traders to ensure that everyone is able to make the most of the games and the added footfall the city is likely to attract.
“This is one of the reasons why our Trading Standards officers are on hand to give free support and advice to any business or trader wanting further information or clarification about the regulations ahead of July 25.”
In order to meet host venue qualifying criteria, as with other host cities, Cardiff Council had to sign up to certain Olympic rules and regulations and these are no exception.
Councillor Govier added: “Last month’s hugely successful Torch Relay saw thousands flock into Cardiff’s city centre to enjoy the event. We anticipate the actual games will have a similar effect.
“Although these advertising and trading regulations did not apply during the Torch event so businesses and retailers could operate as normal; had they applied, certain promotional materials that were distributed and displayed by businesses in public places would have been in breach of these rules.
“This is why we want to ensure that everyone is aware of what is expected from them, to enable traders to operate as smoothly and profitably as possible and within the law.”
Full details about the Olympic Delivery Authority’s rules and regulations on advertising and trading and a map of Cardiff’s designated event zone can be found at www.london2012.com/advertisingandtrading
If you would like to speak to someone from Cardiff Council Trading Standards for help or advice about these regulations, please contact (029) 2087 2059 or email [email protected]
