Pubs could stay open during World Cup games

The government has today said they will reconsider suggestions to extend alcohol licensing hours during the FIFA world cup pending the result of a consultation launched today.

The extension requested by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) had been rejected by the Home Office  earlier this year in favour of  case-by-case temporary licensing orders, however the rejection was then overruled by the Prime Minister, David Cameron who called for a “re-think”.

The decision has pleased pubs lobbyists who have called on landlords and others supporting an extension of licensing hours, to take part in the consultation process.

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the BBPA, said: “We welcome this consultation as an opportunity to make clear the wish of publicans, the wider industry and most importantly England fans to enjoy World Cup 2014 in their local pub – the next best thing to being there.

“Over the next fortnight I encourage publicans and fans to make their voice heard by responding to the consultation.”

Publicans are seeking to get the licensing hours extended for England’s opening game against Italy to be held on June 14th which doesn’t kick off until 11pm (GMT) and again for the cup final played a fortnight later.

Lobbyists claim that a national extension to licensing hours to allow pubs to remain open until 1am for the games would bring in around £20 million into the British pub industry.

The period is could prove to be particularly lucrative as retail competitors such as supermarkets will be barred from selling alcohol at below cost price from April 6 under new licensing restrictions brought in for the World Cup.

However the Home office is likely to remained concerned over issues of public order from the later opening times and has cautioned that the consultation will consider all aspects of the debate.

In a written ministerial statement today, Theresea May, said: “The government is mindful of the need to strike a balance between the risks that late-night drinking can lead to increased crime and disorder and public nuisance and reducing the burden on those wishing to celebrate the FIFA World Cup.

“The consultation is therefore considering a number of issues, including the principle of relaxing licensing hours nationally during the World Cup, the dates and geographical extent that any licensing hours order might cover.”