Protect our local pubs: say no to the Beacon Park Fanzone
The Issue
Petition: Support Lichfield's Local Pubs – Cancel the Beacon Park Fanzone
It’s a big read but PLEASE support us as publicans🤍
As brick and mortar business owners in Lichfield, we pour our hearts, resources, and dreams into our community 365 days a year. Our investments are not just financial; they represent our commitment to provide sustained local employment, contribute vibrantly to city life, and fulfill our obligations through substantial business rates. Yet, this loyal dedication feels overshadowed by the decision to outsource a prime trading opportunity to an out-of-town temporary operator with the introduction of the Beacon Park Fanzone.
The proposed Fanzone is poised to redirect foot traffic away from our high street, potentially threatening the future of local businesses that have become the backbone of our community. Our local pubs, historic in their charm and significance, stand to suffer as temporary installations lure patrons away with fleeting promise, undermining the longer-lasting value we provide.
What's at stake is not just a loss of immediate revenue, but a gradual erosion of community spirit that thrives on local interaction and economic circulation. According to recent studies referenced by business networks and local councils, consistent local spending assures a 63% return to the community, compared to just 39% from national chains or temporary setups that fail to reinvest locally.
Moreover, in times when small businesses are constantly battling increased costs, economic pressures, and lingering post-pandemic challenges, we need reinforcement, not setbacks. Cutting VAT for local businesses could further ease this burden and enable us to continue being pillars of strength in Lichfield.
We urge the city council to reassess this decision for the sake of the local economy and community well-being. We are advocating for policy shifts that keep business opportunities within the heart of Lichfield, promoting and protecting those who nurture the town year-round.
We seek signatures from residents, patrons, and business allies to support this cause and voice a collective "No" to the Beacon Park Fanzone. Let's protect our local pubs and ensure they remain vibrant and viable for generations to come. Your signature can make a difference for our local business community. Sign this petition to show your support and help preserve the unique charm of our Lichfield high street.
During the 2018 World Cup screening at Beacon Park, the event rapidly descended into dangerous chaos. As widely reported by the media at the time:
- A crowd of over 80 people caused mass disruption by throwing drinks and missiles inside the event marquee which continued down bird street all the way through to tamworth street!
-Security personnel completely lost control of the crowd, forcing bars to shut and terrified local families to flee the park in fear.
-The resulting anti-social behavior and vandalism spilled directly into our city centre streets, including Bird Street, where crowds disrupted traffic, damaged property, and climbed onto vehicles and the only form of closure received was the police urging football fans to “behave”.
-Police literally refused to enter the tent unless anybody was injured??
We are calling on the local authorities to cancel the upcoming World Cup Final Fanzone event at Beacon Park. While large, one-off events may seem appealing, they directly undermine the local businesses that form the backbone of Lichfield's high street and nighttime economy.
Why This Matters
Year-Round Commitment: Lichfield’s local pubs invest heavily in our community all year round. They show sporting events of all kinds—football, boxing, rugby, and racing—and rely on major tournaments to sustain their businesses through tougher financial times.
Protecting Our Safe Streets: It is the collective hard work of our local hospitality venues that earned Lichfield its prestigious Purple Flag status, recognising our city for a safe, vibrant, and well-managed nighttime economy.
What We Are Asking For
We urge the council to protect Lichfield's independent businesses and nighttime economy by:
- Withdrawing permission for the Beacon Park Fanzone event.
- Encouraging residents and visitors to watch the games in our fantastic local pubs instead, keeping revenue within our community.
Please sign this petition to stand up for your locals! Watch the games in your pubs.
79
The Issue
Petition: Support Lichfield's Local Pubs – Cancel the Beacon Park Fanzone
It’s a big read but PLEASE support us as publicans🤍
As brick and mortar business owners in Lichfield, we pour our hearts, resources, and dreams into our community 365 days a year. Our investments are not just financial; they represent our commitment to provide sustained local employment, contribute vibrantly to city life, and fulfill our obligations through substantial business rates. Yet, this loyal dedication feels overshadowed by the decision to outsource a prime trading opportunity to an out-of-town temporary operator with the introduction of the Beacon Park Fanzone.
The proposed Fanzone is poised to redirect foot traffic away from our high street, potentially threatening the future of local businesses that have become the backbone of our community. Our local pubs, historic in their charm and significance, stand to suffer as temporary installations lure patrons away with fleeting promise, undermining the longer-lasting value we provide.
What's at stake is not just a loss of immediate revenue, but a gradual erosion of community spirit that thrives on local interaction and economic circulation. According to recent studies referenced by business networks and local councils, consistent local spending assures a 63% return to the community, compared to just 39% from national chains or temporary setups that fail to reinvest locally.
Moreover, in times when small businesses are constantly battling increased costs, economic pressures, and lingering post-pandemic challenges, we need reinforcement, not setbacks. Cutting VAT for local businesses could further ease this burden and enable us to continue being pillars of strength in Lichfield.
We urge the city council to reassess this decision for the sake of the local economy and community well-being. We are advocating for policy shifts that keep business opportunities within the heart of Lichfield, promoting and protecting those who nurture the town year-round.
We seek signatures from residents, patrons, and business allies to support this cause and voice a collective "No" to the Beacon Park Fanzone. Let's protect our local pubs and ensure they remain vibrant and viable for generations to come. Your signature can make a difference for our local business community. Sign this petition to show your support and help preserve the unique charm of our Lichfield high street.
During the 2018 World Cup screening at Beacon Park, the event rapidly descended into dangerous chaos. As widely reported by the media at the time:
- A crowd of over 80 people caused mass disruption by throwing drinks and missiles inside the event marquee which continued down bird street all the way through to tamworth street!
-Security personnel completely lost control of the crowd, forcing bars to shut and terrified local families to flee the park in fear.
-The resulting anti-social behavior and vandalism spilled directly into our city centre streets, including Bird Street, where crowds disrupted traffic, damaged property, and climbed onto vehicles and the only form of closure received was the police urging football fans to “behave”.
-Police literally refused to enter the tent unless anybody was injured??
We are calling on the local authorities to cancel the upcoming World Cup Final Fanzone event at Beacon Park. While large, one-off events may seem appealing, they directly undermine the local businesses that form the backbone of Lichfield's high street and nighttime economy.
Why This Matters
Year-Round Commitment: Lichfield’s local pubs invest heavily in our community all year round. They show sporting events of all kinds—football, boxing, rugby, and racing—and rely on major tournaments to sustain their businesses through tougher financial times.
Protecting Our Safe Streets: It is the collective hard work of our local hospitality venues that earned Lichfield its prestigious Purple Flag status, recognising our city for a safe, vibrant, and well-managed nighttime economy.
What We Are Asking For
We urge the council to protect Lichfield's independent businesses and nighttime economy by:
- Withdrawing permission for the Beacon Park Fanzone event.
- Encouraging residents and visitors to watch the games in our fantastic local pubs instead, keeping revenue within our community.
Please sign this petition to stand up for your locals! Watch the games in your pubs.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 23 June 2026