Publican's bid to open early for World Cup looks bleak

An Oxfordshire publican has become one of the first to apply for a special order of exemption to open during England's World Cup matches.

But licensing benches have been told that football does not count as a special event and they should reject applications to open early.

The Buck and Bell in Banbury, owned by Rugby-based company Arrow Pubs, will find out next Wednesday (February 13) whether its application to open at 10am on Sunday June 2 and 11am on Sunday June 30 has been successful.

Arrow director Maurice Fermoy said: "We thought we'd test the water. We really want to start a debate on the issue."

The pub has applied for an extension for England's opening game against Sweden on June 2 and the World Cup Final on June 30.

Mr Fermoy believes the first match will be popular with his customers - but local police are not keen.

"We have a good relationship with the police," he said.

"But they're concerned it is the Golden Jubilee weekend and they don't want people drinking all day."

Because the World Cup matches are taking place in Japan and South Korea, the time difference means two of England's three group games kick off before pub opening times.

Mr Fermoy said: "We've turned this pub into a really big football venue. We'll lose out on a lot of potential trade if we are not allowed to open."

The Magistrates Association has issued guidance on the World Cup to licensing benches.

Spokeswoman Jenny Bracey said: "We have recommended to committees that football is not covered by special exemption. But we are expecting this guidance to be challenged, so we'll have to wait and see what happens."

Related stories:​

World Cup opening hours face objections from police (15 November 2001)

World Cup opening is still in balance (8 November 2001)

Pubs given nod to sell alcohol from 6am for World Cup matches (2 November 2001)

Early kick-off for World Cup means publicans may miss out on money-spinner (14 September 2001)