Background

On 1st July 2011, the UK Bribery Act came into force to replace the existing bribery laws which date back to 1889. The main issue for sport is where the line will be drawn between ‘a bribe’ and ‘an act of legitimate corporate hospitality’ and the big question for many sport and recreation organisations relates to how the UK Bribery Act will impact on corporate hospitality in the sporting arena.

Status

The legislation has made it illegal to offer and receive bribes. For sport, corporate hospitality must be ‘reasonable and proportionate’. This means normal corporate hospitality for clients and partners is still acceptable but lavish and costly trips abroad are not. Provided sport is careful with the level of hospitality it offers and does not become involved in unscrupulous behaviour, the legislation should have a minimal impact.

During the review period, the Alliance championed the case for sport and recreation not being overly burdened by the legislation.

For full information, help and a guidance note for the Bribery Act, please visit the Smart Sport section of our website.