DCMS is responsible for administering the Government's stadium safety policy; in particular, through the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975, and the Fire Safety and Safety at Sports Grounds Act 1987.
Part of this responsibility includes designating sports grounds with a capacity of over 10,000 (5,000 for football) under the 1975 Act. Designated sports grounds require a safety certificate from the local authority.
Every sports stadium which is not designated but contains a stand with a capacity of over 500 requires a safety certificate under the 1987 Act from the local authority.
What does the Football Licensing Authority (FLA) do?
The FLA is the leading UK authority on ground safety. Established in 1991 under the Football Spectators Act 1989 they have implemented some of the key recommendations in the Final Report on the Hillsborough Stadium Disaster of 1989, including overseeing the licensing of all grounds in the Premier League and the Championship.
In 1992 the Government decided to allow clubs in the Football League Second and Third Divisions (now League One and Two) to retain some standing accommodation, provided that this satisfied certain criteria. The FLA enforces this through their licensing system.
DCMS is also responsible for coordinating the Government’s response to non-terrorist disasters affecting spectators at events held at outdoor sports grounds in England.
Latest news can be found on the FLA website.
