Pubs have called on the government to relax licensing rules for Sunday opening hours and alcohol sales for the Women’s World Cup final.
The Lionesses will play Spain at 11am on Sunday August 20 in their first World Cup final, after beating hosts Australia on Wednesday, and the British Beer and Pub Association is calling on the Government to allow pubs to serve beer 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 ability to open their doors early but, under current regulations, most are only likely to be able to sell alcoholic beverages from 11am on Sundays. The British Beer and Pub Association are therefore calling on the Government to allow all pubs to provide full service from 10am in acknowledgement of the value and importance of this event to the country and to allow pubs to offer the best experience in supporting their customers and communities.
Sunday’s game is the first World Cup final England have reached in almost 60 years, and gives the chance for England, for the first time in the nation’s history, to become both World and European Champions.
The BBPA, which represents over 20,000 pubs, is calling on the Government to do whatever must be done to change this regulation as fast as possible so pubs can prepare to serve the public, and fans can enjoy the communal experience of supporting England in a World Cup final among their fellow fans.
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 British Beer and Pub Association 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.”
