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Pubs can open longer for World Cup knock-out games

Andrew Dawkins,West Midlandsand
Sarah Julian,BBC Radio WM
City of Wolverhampton Council Four men are standing together, with the man on each end of the line holding an England flag and wearing an England top. They are in a bar setting and the man second from the left is wearing a jacket, shirt and tie.City of Wolverhampton Council
Andy Evans, landlord of the Pack Bar, joined council leader Stephen Simkins, chair of the licensing committee Alan Butt and bar worker Caden James to mark the World Cup

Pubs and bars in Wolverhampton are being invited to extend their opening hours for any England and Scotland knock-out games at the World Cup.

The city council said a government announcement meant licensed premises in England and Wales that were already authorised to trade until 23:00 BST would be allowed to open longer.

For England or Scotland knock-out matches, licensed venues could be open until 01:00 for those kicking off between 17:00 and 21:00 and until 02:00 for matches starting between 21:00 and 22:00.

Will Adamson, from The Cleveland Arms in Wolverhampton, said of the World Cup: "Financially, it'll be very, very good. The World Cup starts when England play."

The initiative only applied after the group stages, and matches starting before 17:00 or after 22:00 did not benefit from the national extension, the council said.

It added in these circumstances, "individual licensed on‑trade premises may give a Temporary Event Notice... to the local authority if they wish to remain open later".

Adamson said if England came top of their group, "it falls pretty into plan really, or finish second, we'll... maybe only have one late night, possibly two".

Google A two-storey pub site on the right with a car park and bushes on the left. Part of a road, including double yellow lines, is on the bottom right of the image.Google
Will Adamson, from The Cleveland Arms, has said he is hoping the World Cup will deliver a financial boost

He added: "A lot of people like to come out a good two hours before kick-off to get themselves in the mood... a bit of food, a few drinks, enjoy the atmosphere."

Adamson said if England had a good run, then the feel-good factor could last throughout the tournament.

The overall extension, known as a contingent Licensing Hours Order, aims to help support the hospitality sector, the council said.

The order also "allows for the provision of late-night refreshment, subject to... existing premises licence conditions".

Council leader Stephen Simkins said major sporting events like the World Cup were "a brilliant chance for our local pubs, bars and hospitality venues to thrive, and we're pleased to support the extended licensing hours".

He added the authority would work closely with West Midlands Police and its partners "to help keep everyone safe throughout the competition".

"It's important that people celebrate responsibly and respect those around them."

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