High Court victory opens door for World Cup applications

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The first of what could be thousands of applications for extended hours during this year's World Cup were lodged this week following the trade's...

The first of what could be thousands of applications for extended hours during this year's World Cup were lodged this week following the trade's victory in the High Court.

High Court judge Lord Chief Justice Lord Woolf dismissed case law from 1978 which said the World Cup was not a "special occasion" and should not be grounds for extended hours.

Following his decision, licensees on Jersey were among the first to begin applications to open early for the matches, which are being played in Japan and South Korea.

During the court case, Martin Gough (pictured), licensee of John Barras pub the White Hart in Brislington, Bristol, successfully appealed against local magistrates' decision not to allow his pub to open.

At the High Court hearing, Mr Gough, backed by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and pub operator Scottish & Newcastle (S&N), challenged the case law by arguing times have changed and watching football in pubs is now a part of British culture.

The judge said future applications would be considered individually but added they would be viewed favourably from pubs that demonstrate they provide facilities for fans.

Pubs that put a small television on the bar and show no real involvement are unlikely to be given an extension, he added.

"We are overjoyed with the result," said Steve Worrall, brand manager for S&N's John Barras chain. "The ruling today will pave the way to allowing all pub-goers the chance to celebrate."

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."

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers said it believed the flexibility was not just about drinking but also about creating a sense of community and fun.

Chief executive Nick Bish said: "This is another victory for common sense in licensing. Well done to those who forced this sensible and timely decision."

Punch Pub Company's commercial director Francis Patton said: "This case will give our licensees a choice of whether to open - and I am confident that many of them will take up the opportunity."

Facilities

According to the ruling, suitable facilities include: