Courts praised for handling of World Cup licensing

Magistrates have won praise from the trade for their handling of World Cup licensing.

With an estimated 25,000 pubs opening early this morning for the England v Brazil match, licensing benches across the UK acted quickly to rush through early licences so that fans could raise a glass to the national team.

The move reflects the predominantly peaceful attitude of pub-goers during the first four matches of the tournament.

Rob Hayward, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "We are finding that magistrates have taken a favourable view and are granting licences willingly for the match."

Tony Payne, of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, agreed. "I have found that magistrates are being particularly helpful and I have had no complaints from licensees," he said.

Ann Flintham, spokeswoman for the Magistrates Association, said: "We are very pleased to hear that magistrates are responding and participating in the current climate."

In London, bar operator Oliver Peyton, who runs Mash, won a licence for World Cup matches despite opposition from police.

The Metropolitan Police had objected to the move on the grounds that it could cause disorder but it was overruled. Pub groups have reported record sales for the World Cup matches.

Estimates suggest pubs made between £70m and £80m in extra sales during the Denmark match with many pubs reporting massive queues at opening time.

SFI, the owner of the Slug & Lettuce and Bar Med chains, said food has accounted for a 15 to 20 per cent rise in turnover.

And reports from some pubs suggested alcohol sales for the early morning matches accounted for as much as 65 per cent of the drinks sales.

Shops and motorways stood empty for the matches and police in Manchester even reported a 40 per cent drop in crime during England's game with Argentina.

But there was some isolated violence reported following the Denmark match last weekend.

About 120 officers in riot gear were called out when fans turned violent in Hanley, Stoke on Trent. More than 100 fans were reported to have hurled missiles at officers and 16 arrests were made.

In Plymouth, 54 people were arrested in mainly alcohol-related incidents.

In Chichester, fans are being banned from wearing England shirts in some pubs after reported incidents of violence following the England v Argentina match.