Crackdown on Antisocial Behaviour at Twickenham Amid Concert License Controversy

During the recent Six Nations match between England and Wales at Twickenham, Richmond council issued 24 fixed-penalty notices (FPNs) for public urination, highlighting ongoing concerns about antisocial behaviour associated with rugby events. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is currently facing significant opposition from local residents regarding its proposal to increase the number of concerts held at the stadium from three to 15 annually. This opposition is largely fueled by incidents of unruly behaviour during matches, prompting the RFU to engage with the community to address these issues.

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Despite efforts to mitigate such behaviour—such as installing barriers in hotspots and deploying plain-clothed officers—public urination remains a persistent problem. Councillor Gareth Roberts, leader of Richmond council, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “If we catch you using our borough as a toilet, we will fine you. No ifs, no buts.” The FPNs carry a fine of £150, reduced to £100 if paid within ten days.

The Irish Times

The push for more concerts has been met with resistance, as evidenced by a licensing subcommittee meeting where 192 representations against the RFU's license extension were recorded, compared to only 13 in support. Residents have expressed concerns about hygiene, with one representation noting that children are forced to navigate through areas contaminated by urine and excrement. In response, the RFU has pledged to strengthen coordination with local authorities, including the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London, to ensure that antisocial behaviour is addressed effectively.

The Irish Times

The RFU's plans also include the controversial proposal of using “anti-pee paint” to deter public urination, which would leave offenders marked with their own urine. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to demonstrate to residents that their concerns are being taken seriously.

The Irish Times

The RFU intends to reapply for concert licensing after local elections in May, following setbacks in previous applications. The upcoming match against Ireland will be the last men’s international before this resubmission. Additionally, the annual Army v Navy match, known for its history of antisocial behaviour, will occur just five days prior to the elections, raising further concerns about the potential for unruly conduct.

The Irish Times

Critics of the RFU's approach argue that the measures taken thus far have not adequately addressed the root causes of antisocial behaviour. Local residents have voiced their frustrations, with some calling for more accountability and enforcement of existing regulations rather than merely increasing penalties.

The Guardian

• “If we catch you using our borough as a toilet, we will fine you.” — Councillor Gareth Roberts, Richmond Council

The Guardian

• “The pavements and roads are unhygienic, and children are having to walk and scoot through dried urine and excrement” — Local Resident Representation

The Irish Times

The situation at Twickenham reflects a complex interplay between community concerns, public behaviour, and the RFU's ambitions for expansion, underscoring the challenges of balancing local interests with the desire for increased events at the stadium.

The Irish Times