PM ‘orders re-think’ on World Cup pub times

The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has intervened in a row over the extension of pubs opening times during the World Cup in Brazil.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) had twice asked the Home Office to extend the allowed opening hours of pubs for England’s opening game against Italy on June 14 which begins at 11pm UK time.

It also requested an extension for the final weekend of the tournament on July 11 and 12.

However, the Home Office turned down the application saying that there would be no national extension of opening hours because it was not a case of “exceptional circumstances”, such as the royal wedding or the Queen’s Jubilee.

Instead pubs would have to apply for individual  temporary licences to stay open which would the BBPA said would cost pubs a total of £738,000.

Today David Cameron stepped in to overrule the refusal tweeting: “I have ordered a rethink on pub opening times for England’s World Cup games – will consult with pub trade, police and councils.”

The apparent “change of heart” has been welcomed by the BBPA and its chief executive Brigid Simmonds.

She said: “This would make for the most fantastic news for thousands of publicans and millions of football fans. I am delighted that the Prime Minister has intervened to back Britain’s pubs and make clear that England’s World Cup campaign is a time for celebration.

“This common sense decision would remove a great deal of bureaucracy for pubs and local councils – and makes clear that the best place to enjoy the England team’s journey is in your local pub.

“We are absolutely thrilled that our efforts have made a real difference for football fans and pubs.”