Pubs urged to extend opening hours for World Cup final

author: FutureCar Staff    

Pubs across England are hoping to open early for the World Cup final on Sunday, thanks to a letter from Cabinet minister Michael Gove to councils across the country. The Lionesses' progress to their first ever World Cup final has garnered significant attention, with an average of 4.6 million people tuning in to watch their win over Australia. However, current licensing rules mean that some pubs may be unable to serve alcohol or open early for fans.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has called on the government to allow pubs to serve beer from 10am instead of the current 11am restriction. However, a blanket change to licensing hours would require parliamentary approval, which is not currently possible as Parliament is in summer recess. Instead, the government is urging local councils and police chiefs to do what they can to approve extensions for pubs.

Pub bosses have warned that some venues will be unable to open early or serve alcohol due to licensing rules. Pubs have specific hours they can stay open and serve alcohol based on their individual licenses. Additionally, councils are unable to grant extensions to pubs that failed to apply by August 11, before England had even won their quarter-final tie.

While individual pubs can apply for temporary event notices (TEN) to vary their hours, this process typically takes five working days. However, in cases where an application is being rapidly considered to allow a short extension to licensing hours, the government is encouraging local authorities to work closely with local police forces to expedite the process.

The Home Office has written to police chiefs, encouraging them to collaborate with councils to ensure that as many venues as possible can open for the World Cup final. However, according to the BBPA, most pubs are likely to be unable to serve alcohol until 11am, with some being restricted until midday.

The Liberal Democrats have called for Parliament to be recalled to pass the necessary legislation to relax licensing rules for the World Cup final. However, the government has not indicated any plans for this. Pub operators and organizations like the BBPA are urging the government to allow pubs to open at 10am on Sunday to support the Lionesses and bring communities together to cheer on the team.

Meanwhile, the Church of England's lead bishop for sport, the Right Reverend Libby Lane, has said that it is "fine" for churches to move morning services to accommodate the World Cup final. Queen Letizia of Spain is set to travel to Australia for the final, showing her country's commitment to national football. However, UK royals, including the Prince of Wales, who is also the president of the Football Association, will not be attending the final.

FutureCar Staff