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Pubs call on Government to serve pints early for World Cup final on Sunday
As the Lionesses take to the pitch on Sunday morning to face Spain in the World Cup final, many of us in the UK will be watching with bated breath, and pubs in England have called on Government to relax licensing laws during the match.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is calling on the Government to allow pubs to serve alcohol from 10am this Sunday in recognition of the historic achievement of the England women’s football team reaching the country’s first World Cup final in almost 60 years.
Pubs have the option of opening early, but depending on individual licences, most are only likely to be able to sell alcoholic beverages from 11am on Sundays.
The BBPA, which represents over 20,000 pubs, is calling on the Government to change this regulation as fast as possible so pubs can prepare to serve the public.
In Cornwall, authorities have already announced they will not take enforcement action for early trade.
Temporary blanket tweaks to licensing laws that apply in England and Wales for special events have to be approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords under the Licensing Act 2003.
This has been done in the past ahead of big celebrations such as the Platinum Jubilee and the Euro 2020 final.
Alun Cairns MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said:”Early opening and serving would be a fitting tribute to the Lionesses and a welcome boost to the industry. I have raised the issue with the Home Secretary directly who is looking in to see what is possible. We need to do all we can to support the team, whilst at the same time backing our great British pubs.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “Millions of people have been cheering on our amazing Lionesses throughout this tournament at their local pub, enjoying the unrivalled pub atmosphere and communal celebrations. Now, as England enter their first World Cup Final since 1966 we need the Government to step in and allow the necessary regulatory easement to allow pubs to serve the public from 10am on final day, so fan and communities can come together and cheer the Lionesses to victory at the best place to watch live sport, the pub. Where there’s a will, there has to be a way.”