I have ordered a rethink on pub opening times for England’s World Cup games – will consult with pub trade, police and councils.
Prime Minister David Cameron has tweeted as above that there is to be a re-think about the proposal that pubs nationwide should be able to stay open until 1am to screen England matches without needing to apply for a special licence from their local council.
Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker had announced at the weekend that he had refused brewers’ requests for later licences, but Cameron is now requiring him to consult with the necessary authorities – local councils, police and pub trade.
Cameron has now ordered Baker to hold a nationwide consultation on the issue, which may only affect the England against Italy game on Saturday 14 June which kicks off at 11pm.
England’s other two group matches kick off earlier, so licence would not be required.
And – if past form is any guide, England may well not progress beyond the group matches!
The home secretary, Theresa May, in fact has powers to make an order to extend licensing hours in England and Wales for occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance” – clearly there is a difference of opinion inside government ranks as to whether England playing in the World Cup meets such criteria!