The ability of fans to watch their national teams at the World Cup in Brazil have been dealt a blow when the government refused to use its powers to extend pub licences to allow for matches that kick on or after pub closing times.
Well of course the answers no but when England kick off at 23:00 hrs versus Italy where is the harm in allowing a publican if he wants from extending his hours to accommodate the fans that want to watch it with their mates in a pub. They were extended for the "special circumstances" surrounding the royal wedding but obviously our elders an betters who in the main don't care two figs for football or football fans have decided the greatest sporting event on the planet is not special enough. I won't watch in a pub myself but the fact that the government have refused this is I think a nation scandal.
The Prime Minster has ordered the Home Office to have a rethink.
Daivd Cameron has overruled the Home Office and ordered a rethink to ensure that pubs can be open for England's World Cup fixture against Italy.
The Prime Minister stepped in after pubs were refused permission to extend opening hours for the clash on June 14, which kicks off at 11pm.
A source said: "We'll now consult with the pub industry, police and councils on best way to make sure pubs can be open for the Italy game at 11pm."
The Home Office had refused a request from the British Beer and Pub Association asking for an extension of licensing times across the country.
In a message on Twitter, Mr Cameron said: "I have ordered a rethink on pub opening times for England's World Cup games - will consult with pub trade, police and councils."
The pub industry asked the Home Office to delay closing time from 11pm on June 14 to 1am on June 15 across the country to give fans time to watch the game.
But Home Office minister Norman Baker turned down the proposal, leaving pubs with the option of applying individually to local authorities for a licence extension - at a cost of £21 each.
The BBPA, which represents England's 49,400 pubs, believes the extended opening times could be worth an additional £20 million to the industry in drink and food sales.
Ministers have the power to relax the rules to mark an occasion of "exceptional international, national or local significance", as was done for the Royal Wedding and Diamond Jubilee.
England's remaining two group-stage games will be played at more convenient times for pubs, with the June 19 clash with Uruguay scheduled for 8pm UK time and the potentially decisive match against Costa Rica at 5pm on June 24.
Hopefully common sense will prevail. It's only one match and it's on a Saturday night. Pubs will still have the option not to show it should they wish.
Whether the Home Office like it or not, England playing their opening World Cup game on a Saturday night is an absolutely massive occasion. Annoyingly you get some bars and pubs which stay open late for shite like the Super Bowl and nobody bats an eyelid.
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Daivd Cameron has overruled the Home Office and ordered a rethink to ensure that pubs can be open for England's World Cup fixture against Italy.
The Prime Minister stepped in after pubs were refused permission to extend opening hours for the clash on June 14, which kicks off at 11pm.
A source said: "We'll now consult with the pub industry, police and councils on best way to make sure pubs can be open for the Italy game at 11pm."
The Home Office had refused a request from the British Beer and Pub Association asking for an extension of licensing times across the country.
In a message on Twitter, Mr Cameron said: "I have ordered a rethink on pub opening times for England's World Cup games - will consult with pub trade, police and councils."
The pub industry asked the Home Office to delay closing time from 11pm on June 14 to 1am on June 15 across the country to give fans time to watch the game.
But Home Office minister Norman Baker turned down the proposal, leaving pubs with the option of applying individually to local authorities for a licence extension - at a cost of £21 each.
The BBPA, which represents England's 49,400 pubs, believes the extended opening times could be worth an additional £20 million to the industry in drink and food sales.
Ministers have the power to relax the rules to mark an occasion of "exceptional international, national or local significance", as was done for the Royal Wedding and Diamond Jubilee.
England's remaining two group-stage games will be played at more convenient times for pubs, with the June 19 clash with Uruguay scheduled for 8pm UK time and the potentially decisive match against Costa Rica at 5pm on June 24.
Whether the Home Office like it or not, England playing their opening World Cup game on a Saturday night is an absolutely massive occasion. Annoyingly you get some bars and pubs which stay open late for shite like the Super Bowl and nobody bats an eyelid.