The voluntary closures came after police warned that screening the football match could create difficulties with closing during Royal Ascot.
Thames Valley Police said a voluntary agreement had been made with venues in advance of this year’s Royal Ascot to close at 10.30pm, as part of efforts to support the “safe and orderly dispersal” of crowds from the area at the end of the evening.
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Because the England match was due to finish after the agreed closing time, venues were advised that showing the fixture could make it harder to close and get customers to leave.
‘Voluntary agreement’
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson told The Morning Advertiser (MA): “A voluntary agreement to close at 10.30pm during Royal Ascot was made with a small number of pubs on Ascot High Street in advance of this year’s event. This is to help facilitate the safe and orderly dispersal of crowds from the area at the end of the evening.
“Due to closing at 10.30pm, before the end of the match, it was advised that showing the England match could potentially introduce difficulties with closing and getting customers to leave.
“The agreement was voluntary for pubs and part of collaborative efforts to support a safe and secure Royal Ascot. No issues have been reported.”
World Cup opportunity
The decision meant venues missed out on showing England’s first game of the tournament at a time when pubs across the UK are looking to maximise the World Cup trading opportunity.
The British Beer and Pub Association has previously suggested pubs could benefit from a £275m beer sales boost during the tournament if England reach the final, with around 55m additional pints poured across the competition.
A BBPA spokesperson said: “It’s positive to see that venues and police worked together to help keep people safe.
“The next England match is bound to draw fans and communities alike to the pub, as anecdotally we’re hearing it was a brilliant night for sales, and we hope to see pubs in Ascot get a huge boost next week, when the Lions play Ghana.
“When the average pub makes just 12p a pint, huge sporting events are absolutely vital for their bottom line, and we hope this summer will give the sector a much-needed and well-deserved lift.”
Greene King, which operates The Stag, declined to comment. The MA has also approached Bar One for comment.
