Trade welcomes World Cup ruling

Related tags World cup Appeal 1978

Hundreds of licensees are expected to be allowed to open early and serve alcohol during this year's World Cup games following a High Court...

Hundreds of licensees are expected to be allowed to open early and serve alcohol during this year's World Cup games following a High Court ruling.

Earlier today (April 12) a High Court judge dismissed case law from 1978 which has prevented pubs from opening early on the grounds that the World Cup is not a "special occasion".

The case centred on licensee Martin Gough of the White Hart in Brislington, Bristol, who successfully appealed against the local magistrates' decision not to allow his pub to open.

Mr Gough, backed by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and pub operator Scottish & Newcastle, challenged the case law by arguing times have changed and watching football in the pub is now an important part of British culture.

The victory has been welcomed by the trade.

Thousands of other pubs across the country will now be able to apply to open early and serve their customers alcohol as they watch the matches, which are being played in Japan and South Korea and will be screened as early as 6.30am in the UK.

Mark Hastings, spokesman for the BBPA, said: "This is fantastic news. At last millions of football fans will have the chance to watch the games in what has become their favourite place - the pub."

Confusion had arisen over applications for early morning opening. While magistrates in many parts of the country refused to allow pubs to open before 11am, citing the 1978 case law, those in Northampton, Blackpool and Birmingham have granted extensions.

The High Court decision will clear up this uncertainty and pave the way for many of the estimated 37,000 pubs with big screens to apply for extensions.

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Trade awaits World Cup ruling (25 March 2002)

Sky hopes match day quizzes will challenge World Cup rule (14 March 2002)

Pubs granted World Cup extensions (1 March 2002)

Pubs will fight to open early and serve alcohol for World Cup (28 February 2002)

Extensions for World Cup fail (14 February 2002)

Publican's bid to open early for World Cup looks bleak (7 February 2002)

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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)