PM orders rethink on World Cup licensing hours extension

03-Feb-2014 - Last updated on 03-Feb-2014 at 16:23 GMT

David Cameron: 'I have ordered a rethink on pub opening times for England’s World Cup games – will consult with pub trade, police and councils.'

The Prime Minister has “ordered a rethink” on pub opening times for England’s World Cup games in Brazil this summer, a day after the Home Office said it had ruled out extending licensing hours.

An application on behalf of all pubs was submitted to allow them to stay open from 23:00 to 01:00 on 13 and 14 June, the opening weekend of the tournament, and the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) had also asked for an extra two hours on the closing weekend, 11 and 12 July.

But the Home Office rejected the bid, saying the World Cup was not a "one-off" event like the Queen's Jubilee.

However, today David Cameron tweeted:

I have ordered a rethink on pub opening times for England's World Cup games - will consult with pub trade, police and councils.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) February 3, 2014

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “This would make for the most fantastic news for thousands of publicans and millions of football fans. I am delighted that the Prime Minister has intervened to back Britain’s pubs and make clear that England’s World Cup campaign is a time for celebration.

“This common sense decision would remove a great deal of bureaucracy for pubs and local councils – and makes clear that the best place to enjoy the England team’s journey is in your local pub.

“We are absolutely thrilled that our efforts have made a real difference for football fans and pubs.”

Home Office

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We will be launching a consultation shortly to determine whether pubs should be able to extend their licensing hours during the World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

"Given the time difference between the UK and Brazil and the fact some matches kick off at 11pm, the consultation will cover late-night matches occurring on the opening weekend, the closing weekend of the World Cup 2014 and for England's 11pm matches.

"We will examine the responses to the consultation thoroughly and carefully before deciding how to proceed thereafter.”