Ahead of England’s World Cup final on Sunday, the UK government is urging local councils to facilitate earlier pub opening hours, having listened to calls from hospitality bodies to receive support for the historic sporting event.
Expected to provide a £185 million boost to the UK economy, the final, with kick-off at 11am, can be screened in most establishments within their regular opening times, however, some may need special permission to serve alcohol as well.
Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, reached out to council leaders across England, requesting their full support for pubs aiming to host this significant event and back the Lionesses.
In scenarios where applications are being assessed to extend licensing hours, local authorities are being encouraged to speed up the process by collaborating closely with regional police forces.
Gove, in a statement online, said: “The whole nation is ready to get behind the Lionesses this Sunday in what is England’s biggest game since 1966. I’ve asked councils to do everything they can to help pubs get open earlier on Sunday, so people can come together and enjoy a drink before kick-off for this special occasion.”