The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is calling on the Government to offer greater flexibility on licensing hours for opening and closing weekends of the World Cup 2014.
The World Cup is taking place in Brazil and with the time difference some games could potentially kick off at 11pm (UK time).
The BBPA has written to the Home Office Minister responsible for Licensing, Norman Baker MP, calling for similar flexibility on licensing that was shown for events such as the Royal Wedding and Diamond Jubilee.
The call has been supported in Parliament by chairman of the Parliamentary Beer Group Andrew Griffiths MP, who argued for a debate on the issue to allow England supporters to watch football whilst enjoying a pint in their local pub.
Brigid Simmonds OBE, chief executive, said: That England qualified for the World Cup is something to be celebrated. Without pubs able to open their doors to fans everywhere, the atmosphere at home will not be what it should. As the inevitable highs and lows of the tournament progress, let us enjoy them together and back ‘Roy’s Boys’ in the next best place to being there - the pub.
“This would provide a £20 million boost to thousands of small businesses across the nation, with fans becoming a real part of the celebration.”
